Yes, Thoroughly Modern Millie the musical is directly based on the 1967 film of the same name. However, while the musical borrows heavily from the film’s core plot and characters, it also introduces significant changes and expansions, transforming the source material into a unique theatrical experience.
A Close Look at the Adaptation
The musical, like the film, tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman from Kansas who arrives in New York City in 1922 with the ambition of marrying for money rather than love. Both versions feature the scheming Mrs. Meers, a hotel owner who secretly runs a white slavery ring, and the charming Jimmy Smith, who wins Millie’s heart despite her initial materialistic aspirations.
However, the musical significantly enhances the plot and characters. It adds new subplots, such as the inclusion of Dorothy Parker, who eventually helps the authorities uncover Mrs. Meers’s nefarious activities. It also provides greater depth to the supporting characters, especially Mrs. Meers, whose backstory is considerably expanded, making her a more compelling and complex antagonist. Most significantly, the musical boasts a completely different musical score, adding an exciting layer of theatricality and dance that the film couldn’t capture.
From Film to Stage: Key Differences and Additions
While the spirit of the film is undoubtedly present in the musical, the stage adaptation is far from a direct translation. Several aspects were altered or introduced for various reasons, primarily to enhance the theatrical experience and address concerns about historical context.
The Music: A New Dimension
Perhaps the most significant departure from the film is the music. The film’s score was primarily non-diegetic – meaning it wasn’t performed by the characters within the film. The musical, however, features an original score written by Jeanine Tesori (music) and Dick Scanlan (lyrics), brimming with memorable and catchy tunes. Some songs from the film, like “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” are retained, but most of the musical numbers are completely new. This allows the musical to express the characters’ emotions and advance the plot in ways that the film, relying solely on dialogue and visual storytelling, could not.
Character Development and Subplots
The musical delves deeper into the characters’ motivations and backstories. For example, Mrs. Meers, played memorably by Bea Arthur in the film, is given a more elaborate origin story in the musical, explaining her reasons for running the white slavery ring. Similarly, the romantic relationships are more developed, allowing the audience to invest more fully in the characters’ journeys. The inclusion of new subplots, such as the pursuit of Dorothy Parker and the elaborate tapping sequences, adds layers of complexity and entertainment.
Addressing Historical Context
The original film, while charming, has been criticized for its stereotypical and potentially offensive portrayal of Chinese characters. The musical takes steps to mitigate these issues by reframing the characters of Ching Ho and Bun Foo as Mrs. Meers’s reluctant accomplices, who eventually assist Millie and Jimmy in exposing her crimes. Their motivations are further explained, and their roles are significantly expanded, offering a more nuanced and sympathetic portrayal. This crucial change acknowledges the sensitivities surrounding the historical context and strives for a more responsible and inclusive representation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Thoroughly Modern Millie
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between the film and the musical, and to address common queries about the production.
1. What year did the Thoroughly Modern Millie movie come out?
The original film Thoroughly Modern Millie was released in 1967.
2. Who starred in the original Thoroughly Modern Millie movie?
The film starred Julie Andrews as Millie Dillmount, Mary Tyler Moore as Dorothy Shaw, Carol Channing as Muzzy Van Hossmere, and Beatrice Lillie as Mrs. Meers.
3. When did the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical premiere on Broadway?
The Broadway premiere of the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical was on April 18, 2002, at the Marquis Theatre.
4. Who wrote the music and lyrics for the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical?
The music for Thoroughly Modern Millie was composed by Jeanine Tesori, and the lyrics were written by Dick Scanlan.
5. Did Sutton Foster win a Tony Award for her role as Millie in the musical?
Yes, Sutton Foster won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Millie Dillmount in the original Broadway production.
6. What is the main plot difference between the film and the musical?
While both versions center on Millie’s ambition to marry rich and her involvement in Mrs. Meers’s schemes, the musical features more elaborate subplots and character development, especially regarding Mrs. Meers and the romantic relationships. The film’s ending is also slightly different, with more emphasis placed on Millie marrying Jimmy.
7. Were there any songs from the movie used in the musical?
Yes, the title song “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is retained from the film, though it is often re-arranged or re-orchestrated for the stage. Other songs are mostly original to the musical.
8. How did the musical address the controversial depictions of Chinese characters from the film?
The musical attempts to address the stereotypical portrayal of Chinese characters by giving Ching Ho and Bun Foo more nuanced backstories and motivations, portraying them as reluctant participants in Mrs. Meers’s scheme and ultimately helping to expose her.
9. What are some of the most popular songs from the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical?
Some of the most popular and recognizable songs from the musical include “Not for the Life of Me,” “How the Other Half Lives,” “Only in New York,” and “Gimme, Gimme.”
10. Is the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical still being performed today?
Yes, Thoroughly Modern Millie is still performed regularly by professional and amateur theatre groups around the world. It’s a popular choice due to its catchy music, fun story, and opportunities for large ensemble numbers.
11. Are there any official recordings of the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical?
Yes, there is an original Broadway cast recording available for purchase and streaming, featuring Sutton Foster and the original Broadway cast.
12. What themes does the Thoroughly Modern Millie musical explore?
The musical explores themes of ambition, independence, love, identity, and the changing roles of women in the 1920s. It also touches on themes of immigration, prejudice, and the pursuit of the American dream. The musical delivers these themes through a fun, and entertaining theatrical lens.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic, Reimagined
In conclusion, while Thoroughly Modern Millie the musical is undeniably based on the 1967 film, it’s more than just a simple adaptation. It’s a reimagining, a theatrical expansion that builds upon the film’s charming foundation while adding depth, complexity, and a vibrant musical score. By addressing historical concerns and enhancing character development, the musical transforms the source material into a thoroughly modern and engaging stage production that continues to delight audiences worldwide. The musical’s success proves that adaptation, when done thoughtfully and creatively, can breathe new life into beloved stories and create lasting theatrical experiences.