When We Will Rock You first came on the scene more than ten years ago, it is fair to say that it did not go down as well as you may have expected. Critics weren’t too friendly about the musical; however, the show definitely did a u-turn.
Reviews have praised the show for an excellent compilation of Queen songs, for a well thought out script, and for a brilliant selection of actors and actresses. And that’s not just in relation to the show when it was on at Broadway NYC either. The show has been a success across the globe, encompassing; Europe, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Russia, and South Africa.
The show encompasses a lot more than people singing an array of Queen songs. Whilst there is an array of fantastic Queen numbers in the show, this is by no means a tribute act. The show has a brilliant plot. It looks to a bleak future in which rock music has been officially suppressed because of the process of globalization. It’s interesting, exciting, and unlike anything else that has ever hit the theatre before.
So, what has made We Will Rock You such a success? Many reviews have drawn upon the fact that it has the ability to turn the worst of frowns upside down. They remark that no matter what mood you are feeling in when you arrive to the show, once you leave you will be laughing and smiling. Not only this, but you will feel empowered by the show as well. It’s musicals like this that really sprout inspiration and make people feel like part of a movement. And the music of it all really enhances this feeling and turns the excitement up to maximum level.
And let’s not ignore how difficult taking Queen to musical theatre is. You are talking about a band here that has sold out arenas all over the world. They have done many tours and their records have been a global success. And let’s not overlook the fact that they are a rock band either – something very rarely found in musicals. Thus, the fact that We Will Rock You has taken this challenge and managed to make it a success is something that is very special. Brian May, the guitarist of the original band, touched upon this himself by stating that Queen has never felt comfortable in the musical theatre world. Well, now it has completely put its stamp on it!
But what has truly made this musical successful is the fact that it does not simply tell the life story of Queen. No one is denying that the band isn’t extremely fascinating, yet portraying someone iconic as Freddie Mercury in a musical adaption just doesn’t quite sit right. And there is nothing new or fresh about going over the past. Instead, delving into the future and the status of rock and roll is something that’s very empowering and extremely engaging. The show brings something new to the table it doesn’t just rely on the success of Queen. This is the true reason why We Will Rock You has taken off.
