The world of children's literature is a magical realm, but bringing these beloved stories to the stage is no easy feat. The challenge: how to capture the essence of cherished characters and narratives in a whole new medium. From the beloved Gruffalo to the quirky Dog Man, here's a behind-the-scenes look at the art of adapting children's classics for the theater.
The stage is currently brimming with adaptations of well-loved children's books, from the heartwarming Paddington and the BFG to the imaginative The Gruffalo's Child and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. And now, a new addition is set to join the ranks: Dog Man, the unique half-dog, half-human crime fighter from Dav Pilkey's popular graphic novels, is coming to London's Southbank Centre as a musical. But how do you bring these characters to life in a way that does justice to the original stories?
Kevin Del Aguila, the Emmy-winning writer and actor behind the Dog Man musical, reveals a crucial insight: having a deep understanding of the source material. His son's expertise in the books proved invaluable during the adaptation process. But it's not just about knowledge; it's about capturing the tone. As Del Aguila puts it, 'If the show doesn’ little different from the books, the audience will notice. But if you grasp the essence, they'll embrace the differences and enjoy the ride.'
And this is where it gets tricky. How do you stay true to the original while creating something new? For Dog Man, Pilkey had one crucial request: the character couldn't speak, only bark. This presented a unique challenge, but the team embraced it, letting their creativity flow. Meanwhile, Tom Morton-Smith, who adapted the Studio Ghibli classic My Neighbor Totoro for the RSC, found his solution in immersion. By repeatedly watching the film, he could deviate from the original while capturing its spirit.
Morton-Smith emphasizes the importance of staying true to the heart of the story, saying, 'It's not about copying the film, but crafting something new that captures the essence of Miyazaki and Ghibli's creation.' He highlights the human characters' role in Totoro, ensuring their dynamics were well-portrayed to make the magical elements believable. The pressure is immense when adapting beloved stories, as Morton-Smith notes, 'If I've done my job right, people won't even notice my work.'
However, the hurdles are not just creative. Smaller production companies often face legal and financial challenges, such as navigating copyright laws and securing rights. The Kaufman siblings, who adapted The Tales of Beatrix Potter, learned this the hard way when they discovered Beatrix Potter's stories were not in the public domain. They also faced logistical challenges, like writing a chase scene with more characters than actors.
Adaptations are big business, with over half of UK theater box office revenue coming from these shows. A recent report shows that theaters increasingly turn to familiar titles to attract audiences post-pandemic. This trend raises an intriguing question: How can writers balance staying true to the original stories while making them relevant and engaging for modern audiences? As Jonathan Kaufman ponders, it's about transforming familiar material into something fresh and meaningful.
