Dream Socially Distanced Musicals

As some theatres are announcing new ways of staging performances, there are some shows which I would like to see in a socially distanced production. Here are some musicals that I think could work, as long as it’s safe to do so.

A New Brain

Loosely based on a real life experience of the composer William Finn, A New Brain follows Gordon Schwinn who suffers an arteriovenous malformation. It features a cast of ten and utilises fantasy sequences set in Gordon’ imagination. As such, a production could be imagined in various creative ways and would not necessarily require a massive budget. I would love to see Mark Umbers as Gordon, Melissa Jacques as his mother Mimi and Matt Henry as Roger.

Company

Even though Company was only in London last year, staging it again in a socially distanced setting might work. The segment style would make it easier to separate cast members and better ensure their safety. Not to mention that the journey of Bobbie/Bobby as they contemplate romantic relationships whilst struggling to fully connect resonates with the world of Covid19 as we have less available ways to connect. Of course, the return of Rosalie Craig as Bobbie would be fantastic, or if not I would love to see a lesser known non-binary actor portray this lead character who evidently is not restricted by gender.

Fun Home

Fun Home was only mounted in the UK a couple of years ago, yet a return would still be welcome. It is set in one location, so would be relatively accessible to stage with a small cast of nine. The theme of self-discovery is timeless and staging this LGBTG+ story would be brilliant for representation on stage. If the Young Vic cast could not reunite, I would love to see Lauren Ward as Helen Bechdel, Abiona Omonua as Medium Alison and Bertie Carvel as Bruce Bechdel.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hedwig is a small show of two actors and a band and essentially works as a concert. This size makes it a great option to be performed in a socially distanced manner and Trans or non-binary actors would have brilliant opportunities in the forms of Hedwig and Yitzhak.

Next to Normal

A UK production of Next to Normal is a long time coming due to its popularity. The required cast of six would work well in a socially distanced production and its exploration of mental health would make contemporary audiences connect to it. When theatres open again, the Charing Cross Theatre or the Southwark Playhouse would be ideal venues, but until then I would love to see a socially distanced performance with Josie Walker as Diana, Sean Kingsley as Dan and Maiya Quansah-Breed as Natalie.

Ordinary Days

This four person show might work in a socially distanced performance, even on zoom, as only a minor set is needed the scenes are predominantly between two characters. The story of individuals dealing with their own conflicts and ultimately joining together would also resonate with audiences. I would love to see Rachel Tucker as Claire and Scott Paige as Warren.

Passion

Stephen Sondheim’s Passion is primarily a three person story, even though there are essential secondary characters. A lot of the plot is told through letters and as such these scenes could be open to creative interpretation. This may work in the limited options available in a socially distanced production and the cast could be cut down if needed. Indeed, the 2013 Off-Broadway production utilised a smaller cast than the original did. I would love to see Fra Fee as Georgio, Kaisa Hammarlund as Fosca and Emily Tierney as Clara.

The Fantasticks

Les Mis and The Phantom of the Opera are widely known as the two longest running musicals in the world, yet The Fantasticks is often left out of this. The original off-Broadway production ran for 42 years until 2002 and it was revived off-Broadway from 2006 to 2017. It is an affordable show to mount as the set would be relatively simple and quick to source. The cast also only requires eight actors and the theme of separation reflects our world today. I would love to see Amara Okereke as Luisa, Rob Houchen as Matt and Ramin Karimloo as El Gallo.

What shows would you like to see performed during lockdown and what are you excited to see when the theatres open again?