As a lifelong gamer and music enthusiast who grew up watching VHS tapes of ‘The Warriors’, I can wholeheartedly say that Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s concept album is nothing short of a masterpiece. The idea of seeing this musical adaptation on stage or on the big screen is as exciting as a level-up in my favorite video game, only with more rhythm and rhyme.
To me, “The Warriors” is undeniably one of the greatest ’70s movies and a lasting cult favorite that offers an authentic portrayal of New York City’s streets unlike any other film. Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I found out that Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for creating the award-winning sensation “Hamilton,” collaborated with Eisa Davis on a concept soundtrack album inspired by the gritty crime drama. However, it’s disappointing to learn that Miranda currently has no plans to bring “The Warriors” to Broadway.
From the moment I began playing this album with artists such as Phillipa Soo, Nas (the producer), Ms. Lauryn Hill, Colman Domingo, Ghostface Killah and others, I’ve been contemplating that not only would it make an outstanding stage production, but it could also translate beautifully into a captivating musical movie. Here’s why…
I Totally Get Why Lin-Manuel Miranda Turned Warriors Into A Concept Album Instead Of A Broadway Musical
In conversation with Playbill prior to the album’s launch, Lin-Manuel Miranda pointed out one of the major hurdles in creating a musical with numerous action sequences and songs was the shared storytelling space on stage between these dynamic elements. This issue is less prominent when dealing with an album.
In essence, creating the album format allowed us a certain liberty, as we pondered, ‘If we weren’t bound by staging, how would we musically represent it?’ We ultimately adopted an ‘all-encompassing’ approach. Some of the combat sequences were transformed into musical montages, while others were scored using fragments from earlier in the film.
It’s entirely logical, given the intricate plotline of Warriors, complete with its striking musical sequences, extensive cast, and modern take on a classic action film. Yet, I can’t help but hope that one day this idea evolves into a musical movie, eventually finding a place among unusual musical films in the future.
There Has Long Been Talk Of A Warriors Remake, And Think This Musical Approach Is A Great Way Of Doing That
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about “The Warriors,” an action masterpiece that, unfortunately, has yet to spawn a worthy sequel. Over the years, whispers of potential remakes have circulated, even hinting at a project spearheaded by Tony Scott, known for his work on “Top Gun.” Alas, at this moment in time, the only officially sanctioned continuation of the franchise is the 2005 video game, “The Warriors,” developed by Rockstar Games, the geniuses behind the “Grand Theft Auto” series. Incredibly, that game stands out as one of the best of its genre, a testament to the studio’s unparalleled talent.
After immersing myself in the beats of “Warriors”, I’m confident that it would make a fantastic movie comeback, given the right touch. Rather than going for a lifeless retelling that alters the narrative significantly, I’d prefer a remake that preserves the essence of the original story while cleverly nodding to longtime fans with subtle Easter eggs. The album concept maintains the core storyline – the Warriors are falsely accused of killing Cyrus, leader of the Grammacy Riffs, and their challenging journey back to Coney Island ensues. However, in this iteration, the titular gang is a tough, all-female crew.
Revisiting Walter Hill’s classic film adaptation of Sol Yurick’s novel, this fresh take would make for an exhilarating theater experience, potentially injecting a burst of vitality into the tale.
The Performances By New York Rappers And Broadway Stars Would Be Awesome On Screen (And Stage)
Among the many appealing features of the play Warriors, what I admire most is its exceptional cast, which skillfully blends the finest talents from Broadway and New York City hip-hop scenes. This fusion results in an impressive and versatile ensemble, where each member finds their ideal fit. The principal gang, played by stars such as Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Amber Gray, and Anessa Folds, all deliver captivating performances in their roles, adding a fresh perspective to the narrative.
Just as with iconic rappers such as Busta Rhymes, Cam’ron, Nas, Chris Rivers, Ghostface Killah, and RZA – each representing the distinct voices of New York City’s five boroughs (with the Wu-Tang Clan hailing from Staten Island) – Kim Dracula, a Tasmanian metal singer who’s gained fame on TikTok, seems perfectly suited. This only reinforces Miranda’s keen eye for talent. The prospect of witnessing these performances, both on screen and in live concerts, could captivate audiences and introduce the story to an entirely new generation.
Time alone can reveal whether the Warriors will appear on either the big screen or Broadway, but there’s an exciting array of films scheduled for 2024 that you might find intriguing as we anticipate their arrival.
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2024-10-31 23:07