Top Five Christmas Musicals
Published on Monday 14th December, 12.17pm, Written by Kelly Pentland
If you’re anything like me, you find the build up to Christmas more exciting than the day itself; after all, who can stay awake past 4pm after a full festive dinner and maybe a tipple or two?
The other evening, as I began the annual ritual of making homemade Christmas cards (yes I know, I’m awesome) and singing along to The Muppet Christmas Carol, I got to thinking; why are there not very many Christmas musicals out there in the movie world?
A good sing-song is a great way to get in the festive mood and I personally think there is a gap in the market for a new all-singing, all-dancing film. If anyone has any good ideas for a seasonal musical, feel free to suggest them in the comment box below!
Alas, Christmas 2009 is almost upon us and to entertain us throughout the dark cold nights, I have rooted back over the years to find the best five Christmas musicals so far created.
First on my list is the Muppetty musical masterpiece which fills me with festive cheer every time I watch it…..
1) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Based on the Dickens classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol is simply awesome in every way. Starring Michael Caine and the fabulously loveable Muppet cast, The Muppet Christmas Carol tells the story of Scrooge’s redemption on Christmas Eve in a unique and heart-warming way.
In true musical style, the characters break into song at every opportunity, even fruit and veg join in. Kermit The Frog appearing as Bob Cratchit and singing “there’s only one more sleep ’til Christmas” is utterly priceless. If you have seen the movie, you can pretend that you haven’t tried to imitate Kermit’s voice when he sings this song, but I won’t believe you.
For a truly magical experience, head on down to London’s Theatreland to see A Christmas Carol live on stage. Alas there are no singing Muppets, however, the more traditional production of Dickens’ tale, Showing at the Arts Theatre is a spectacular show for the whole family.
Next up is….
The Snowman (1982)
A short but sweet Christmas movie based on the book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman has become a seasonal classic. Following a young boy’s magical adventures with a snowman who briefly comes to live, this film has been melting people’s hearts since 1982 (no pun intended).
The Snowman is now showing at The Peacock Theatre London, great for a Christmas adventure with the family.
The next two musicals go hand-in-hand. Fantastically sinister at a time that is supposed to be all joy and love, these musicals are highly entertaining.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Ghouls, ghosts and pumpkins at Christmas time are bound to cause havoc and they certainly do not disappoint. A spectacular 3-D stop-animation in the familiar gloomy style of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is unique and fun.
It’s not only the skeleton with a pumpkin head that I find amusing but the songs. The fantastic number, What’s This, comes at the time Halloween King Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town for the first time and the best line of all goes “There’s children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads” . Lyrical excellence in full swing. Anyone who is interested check out
.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Oscar-Award winning film How The Grinch Stole Christmas is based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Love him or hate him, Jim Carey superbly plays the role of the Christmas-loathing Grinch. The costume and make up of the Grinch are very impressive, although I can not help but think that he looks like a green Big Foot from Harry and the Hendersons (remember that!)!
A remake of the classic cartoon, The Grinch, is a great film to watch this festive season.
Last but certainly not least is.
White Christmas (1954)
Released in 1954 White Christmas is a seasonal classic set after the Second World War. A story of song-and-dance-acts, sister acts and romantic mix ups, White Christmas is an endearing musical.
Everyone likes a bit of romance at Christmas and this is why White Christmas has made it into my top five. I also like the massively over the top seasonal costumes on the front cover of the DVD, which is (of course) a reason to watch the musical, if you want to rebel against the “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” rule.
So there you have it, my five favourite Christmas movies. Grab yourself a mince pie, snuggle in your duvet and enjoy the build-up to Christmas while you still can.
There are only a few more sleeps to Christmas day and If all these films get you in the Christmas spirit, you can book tickets to see Swan Lake showing now at the London Coliseum. Alternatively treat the kids to a fun-filled night at a panto like Aladdin, showing at The Shaw Theatre London.
