The Musical Experience: Broadway vs. Film Adaptation

I think it's safe to say that not a lot of people can really afford to see any type of show on Broadway. Most of the time the tickets cost a lot of money, so the only options you have left are to either listen to the official soundtrack on repeat or to find a film adaptation of whatever musical you want to see. For me personally, it's those movies that reel me into these big-hit shows like Mamma Mia!, Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera or even those classic Disney movies. So with this being said, I want people to understand that my experiences are limited here; the only "show" I've actually seen on Broadway is the Rockettes.

Sometimes it's hard for me to get into the original Broadway cast recordings unless that's the only option I have for the soundtrack. When I was first exposed to Wicked, I knew it wouldn't take long for me to grow accustomed to Idina and Kristen's voices, and I can definitely say the same thing for the Hamilton soundtrack. However, while I'm able to appreciate the talent that these Broadway performers have, sometimes certain people's voices just don't sit right with me because of what I'm used to hearing. 

Now just think about this for a moment: if X musical had never been a hit, then these movie producers would have never made a film based on said musical. The majority of the American or even world-wide public enjoys being entertained with music, so why limit the number of people who want to be able to enjoy it? I personally am grateful that so many Broadway shows have been turned into films because now I can enjoy them from the comfort of my home or local movie theater. 

So as much as I love the easy access of a lot of these musical films, I do still feel like it'd be amazing to witness some of these shows on the big stage at some point. And while I understand that the cast will be different and that their voices may not sound exactly like what I've been hearing on the soundtrack, I can still listen/watch that version whenever I want to.