Madagascar the Musical is an energetic, fun-filled stage production based on the popular animated film franchise of the same name. With quirky characters, catchy songs, and exciting dance numbers, this musical aims to bring the beloved movie to life in a fresh, theatrical way. But is the show any good? Let’s take a closer look.
The Story and Characters
The plot of Madagascar the Musical sticks close to the original movie. It follows four animal friends from the Central Park Zoo – Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo – who get lost and stranded on the island of Madagascar. The animals must learn to survive and work together in the wild.
All the main characters are present, with their familiar quirks and personalities intact. Silly, adventurous Marty tries to break free from the monotony of zoo life. Neurotic Melman worries constantly about his health. Fierce but sweet Gloria looks after the group. And Alex is the natural showman who discovers his wild side when taken out of his pampered existence.
The penguins and lemurs also appear, hatching crazy schemes and getting into mischief along the way. King Julien, the lemur who thinks he rules Madagascar, is a highlight with his diva-like attitude and wiggly dance moves.
Overall, the show stays faithful to the essence of the film characters that so many fans know and love. Their funny animal antics translate well to the stage.
Music and Dancing
Madagascar the Musical incorporates many of the best songs from the movie soundtracks, from Marty’s “I Like to Move It, Move It” to the spirited “Born Free” performance at the end. There are also several catchy original tunes created just for the stage show.
The music spans a range of genres from pop and disco to jazz and rock, giving the show a modern, multimedia feel. There are ensemble dance pieces, solo spotlight moments, and even some robot dancing from the Lemurs. The music is upbeat and energetic from start to finish, matched by the performers’ enthusiasm.
Some standout musical sequences include:
- Marty’s showstopping “I Like to Move It, Move It” dance
- Gloria’s sassy ballad “Positive Attitude”
- Melman’s amusing hypochondriac song “Feeling Alright”
- The Penguins’ witty spy track “Maximum Security”
The songs are supplemented by choreographer Monica L. Bill Barnes’ diverse dance choreography blending jazz, tap, funk, and ballroom styles.
Set Design and Effects
Madagascar the Musical creatively transforms the stage into a variety of locations – from Central Park to Grand Central Station to the colorful island of Madagascar. Moveable set pieces, video projection backdrops, and strategic lighting transports the audience from scene to scene.
Some highlights of the set design include:
- The vibrant jungle of Madagascar created through palm trees, leafy fronds, and tropical flower props
- Glowing city skyscrapers projected as backdrops for New York City scenes
- A train car that literally rolls onto the stage for the Grand Central Station scene
- Clear acrylic moving boxes that cleverly represent the animals’ enclosures at the zoo
In one memorable effect, the penguins dramatically fly over the audience on ropes with rocket packs on their backs. Clever costuming also helps transform the performers into animals, like Marty’s iconic zebra tail and ears.
Comedy and Wit
Fans of the Madagascar films will appreciate how the show retains the zany, laugh-out-loud humor of the originals. The penguins spout sharp, witty dialogue and pop culture references. King Julien’s vain antics steal plenty of comedic scenes. Even some of the physical comedy like Marty’s crazy dance moves play well on stage.
The show weaves in plenty of vaudeville-style slapstick and exaggerated movements to bring the animated characters to life. Fart sounds, popping balloons, and surprised pratfalls all add to the playful, family-friendly atmosphere. While aimed at children, there are jokes and puns that get adults chuckling too.
Audience Appeal
Madagascar the Musical makes an effort to connect with and include the audience, especially the younger ones. The show starts by introducing the animal characters to the crowd with the song “Fabulous Central Park.”
At another point, Alex throws his large lion mane wig into the audience for someone to wear. There are also ensemble songs that encourage hand clapping or dance moves from the crowd. The performers maintain high energy throughout, keeping the experience lively and interactive.
As a family show, Madagascar offers broad appeal to viewers of all ages. The colorful animal antics and physical comedy cater to kids, while older audiences appreciate the witty banter and references. With a run time around 90 minutes, the fast pacing keeps the show lively enough to entertain wiggly young ones.
Critical Reception
The original production of Madagascar the Musical premiered in 2011 in the United States and ran for a limited engagement on Broadway. The show was well-received enough to then launch a North American tour which ran from 2012 to 2015.
The musical drew mainly positive reviews, with critics praising the design elements and energetic dance numbers. According to a 2011 New York Times review, “…young audiences are likely to enjoy the hip-hop beats and exotic animals up on stage.” However, some found the story a bit thin and the music lacking in big numbers.
When the touring production launched the following year, critics noted some improvements that tightened the story and expanded the music catalog. A 2012 Variety review of the tour complimented the score’s “…pop rock melodies augmented by vibrant choreography.”
Overall the show proved successful enough to continue running for several more years. While not a critical smash, it did provide an entertaining theatrical experience for fans of the movies.
Conclusion
For children and families already familiar with the Madagascar movie franchise, the stage musical presents a fun song-and-dance adaptation using the characters they love. The music spans genres and eras for broad listening appeal, while the signature animal character designs are brought to life in creative costumes and puppetry.
While the story doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it follows a straightforward plot letting the humor and over-the-top performances take center stage. Some critics found the show’s music and dance to be its strengths over the simpler narrative. But the emphasis on physical comedy and witty dialog still offers all-ages entertainment.
With its energetic musical numbers, diverse choreography, and hilarious animal hijinks, Madagascar the Musical succeeds as a vibrant theatrical celebration of the animated films. For fans who want to see Alex, Marty, and all their zoo friends brought to furry, feathery life, it provides a fun night out for audiences young and old. The show may not go down as a landmark Broadway masterpiece, but it will leave kids and adults alike with smiles on their faces.