Horizon : Musical theatres around the globe
【明報專訊】In the world of musical theatre, where melodies harmonise with storytelling, some cities have emerged as international hubs. The following populous cities have not only hosted the greatest musical hits of all time but also offer their unique character and contributions to this art form.
■London
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is unquestionably one of the world's leading centres for musicals. The West End, London's famous theatre district, is renowned for its rich history and world-class talent.
The West End theatres have witnessed the premieres of iconic musicals including Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. The West End offers a diverse range of musicals, from original British productions to blockbuster Broadway remakes. London attracts top-tier performers, composers and creative teams from around the world.
■Paris
Paris, the capital of France, does not have a widely recognised musical theatre equivalent to the West End or Broadway. Still, the musical theatrical scene in Paris is vibrant.
Paris has a rich tradition of French-language musicals. For example, Les Misérables, which originated in 1980, is one of the most famous musicals in the world. It was adapted into English and became a global sensation. It has been running in London since 1985, making it one of the longest-running musicals in the West End.
■New York
Broadway is the world-famous theatre district in New York, home to 41 large professional theatres. It has a tradition of musical theatre dating back to the late 19th century. Broadway shows have an important global influence, with many productions touring internationally and inspiring adaptations in other countries. Some notable examples include The Lion King and Wicked. The Lion King is the top-earning musical ever and has been performed over 10,000 times, featuring amazing costumes and puppets.
■Gear up
Which musical is mentioned as the top-earning one in the passage?
A. Cats
B. Les Misérables
C. The Lion King
D. Mamma Mia!
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
emerge (v) 為人知曉
premiere (n) 首演
vibrant (adj) 活躍的
adaptation (n) 改編
Photos: tupungato & Thara Kulsubsuttra @iStock
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[Smarties' Power English 第389期]
