From screen adaptations of beloved musicals such as In the Heights and Dear Evan Hansen, to original movie musicals like La La Land and Greatest Showman, movies with epic soundtracks have been dominating the silver screen for the past few years. Movies can transport viewers to a different world temporarily, but pressing play on the movies’ soundtrack can endlessly reactivate that euphoric feeling. In the coming months that will bring 2021 to a close, here are three movie musicals that will captivate viewers.
Cyrano
Music by: Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Haley Bennett, etc.
Released: Dec. 10, 2021
The musical screen adaptation of the 1897 play written by Edmund Rostand starring Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett will be released on Dec. 10, 2021. The story follows Cyrano (played by Dinklage) as he pines after Roxanne (played by Bennett) who is in love with Christian (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.). Christian is unable to write the eloquent letters Roxanne craves, so he enlists Cyrano to help him – after which a love triangle unfolds. The single “Someone to Say,” featured in the trailer, has already been released on Spotify. The song features romantic lyrics and gentle instrumentals reminiscent of Aaron Dessner’s other work with his band The National. Dessner worked alongside his brother Bryce Dessner to create this album, and the duo already has the experience of producing music for the 2016 thriller Transpecos. For any fans of musicals, love stories or Dessner, this album will not be one to miss.
West Side Story
Music by: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, etc.
Released: Dec. 10, 2021
Another highly anticipated movie musical coming out in December is the Steven Speilberg adaptation of West Side Story starring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler. The film will use the same iconic Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim score, yet it will feature new singers. Some tunes the audience may recognize are “America,” “I Feel Pretty”, and “Tonight.” Academy Award winner Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original movie, will be featured as Valentia, an expanded character in this film. Elgort, most known for his previous roles in The Fault in Our Stars and Baby Driver, is also a musician with over one million monthly listeners on Spotify. Young star Zegler, also a musician, has one single out on Spotify. Fans of the original musical can expect grandiose sets and musical numbers, as well as a modern cast under the direction of the Academy Award winning director Steven Speilberg.
Encanto
Music by: Lin Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco
Released: Nov. 24, 2021
Another movie musical soon to be released is Disney’s Encanta, including music written by Hamilton writer and star Lin Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco (who helped write the score for Coco). The story of the musical follows the Madrigal family in the fictional land of Encanta Columbia, as the protagonist Mirabel struggles with the fact that she is the only member of her family without a superpower. Lin Manuel Miranda, who is Puerto Rican and grew up in a Hispanic neighborhood in New York, previously inspired the Broadway hit and movie adaptation In the Heights. Miranda’s background in Latin music from In the Heights as well as his own Latin heritage will allow him to help bring the Columbian setting of Encanta to life while celebrating Latin culture.