Taylor Swift – Musings About Musicals

Okay, I promise this post is actually going to be about theatre (and no, it will have nothing to do with that disastrous Cats movie that we do not need to speak of on this blog). However, it must be said: I love Taylor Swift. I am 100% a Swiftie. It’s just who I am – I’ve loved her ever since Teardrops On My Guitar was released, which means I’ve actually been a Taylor Swift fan longer than I’ve been a theatre fan. Anyway, this post is about her latest album, Folklore.

I assume we’ve all had the chance to listen to Folklore, yes? And we all love it, right? Of course.

So at this point, you’re probably wondering, what does this have to do with theatre? It’s because I want Taylor Swift to write a musical. And I hope I am not alone in this.

This is a thought I have expressed before on this blog, and it is one that I will keep hoping for until it happens. Even if you do not like Taylor Swift as a musician (which I don’t know how you could, but anyway) you have to admit she is an incredible storyteller. Her songwriting skills are basically unmatched. And her latest album, Folklore, is no exception.

Many people and fans wish for a Taylor Swift jukebox musical. This, of course, would be incredible, and a few years ago they actually did a concert version of this at 54 Below which was, yes, incredible. And a jukebox musical would be all well and good, but I want more.

I want Taylor Swift to write her own, original musical. Think about it! In my opinion, Folklore has proven that Taylor Swift can write in any genre. Her versatility is incredible, and that is why she is the perfect candidate to write a musical. It would probably be the most beautiful, haunting love story.

Of course, a jukebox musical with her existing material would already be great, but I think one composed of wholly new material could be even better. Either based on source material or an original story. But I think Taylor Swift has proven that her original stories are strong enough on their own – wouldn’t it be great to have a full fleshed out story of the love triangle present on Folklore?

In conclusion, a Taylor Swift musical would simply be the best thing ever. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

And if you’re searching for another connection to theatre, Patti LuPone herself is a fan. Just in case you needed any more convincing.

Spent the last two days listening to folklore in the car with my son as we drove up and around Maine. @Taylorswift13 is a true poet. A perfect album for another month of lockdown.
— Patti LuPone (@PattiLuPone) July 26, 2020

What would you like to see out of a potential Taylor Swift musical? What other artists would you love to see write a musical? Let me know!

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This morning, I sat in my car, stuck behind a bus, singing along to my latest obsession.

While I was listening, it hit me that Manchester Orchestra would write an amazing musical. Plenty of musicians have turned their talents to Broadway musicals. Sara Bareilles’s “Waitress” has been a hit, “The Who’s Tommy” is a classic, while others such as Sting’s “The Last Ship” was a pretty quick flop. I started thinking about other musicians that would be great if they wrote a musical, and thus, this list was born.

1. Manchester Orchestra

The first album by this indie rock band “I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child” has been on repeat nonstop in my car for the past few weeks, and their most recent album “A Black Mile to the Surface” is equally as good. Lead singer and songwriter Andy Hull writes lyrics that are poetic and emotional. A musical by this band would be beautifully depressing, and I would love it.
Musical-worthy line: ‘Cause like dying young, idols got the best of me / Well don’t stop calling, you’re the reason I love losing sleep

2. Panic! at the Disco

As I’ve mentioned before, this is my favorite band, and frontman Brendon Urie is no stranger to musicals. Not only did he star in “Kinky Boots”, his songwriting talent can be seen (or rather, heard) in the currently running “Spongebob Squarepants: the Broadway Musical” in the song “(Just a) Simple Sponge“. The band itself is incredibly theatrical in production and performance. Urie himself has mentioned before how much he loves musicals, so now he just needs to write his own. His lyrics are incredibly vivid and even though the words don’t seem to always make sense, the meaning is clear. And I have always thought the album “Vices & Virtues” (one of my all-time favorites) would translate into a great jukebox musical.
Musical-worthy line: Ever since we met / I only shoot up with your perfume / It’s the only thing / That makes me feel as good as you do

3. Taylor Swift

Loved by many, but hated by many. In my mind, Taylor Swift’s talent is undeniable, and not just because I have been a self-proclaimed “Swiftie” since I was 9. She’s most popular for her love songs, but take a listen to any of her albums and you’ll see that she’s more than just that. Her lyrics evoke such vivid imagery that you might feel she’s singing about your life, and her catchy tunes will be stuck in your head for ages (I’m still trying to shake off “Shake it Off”). She too would make a great jukebox musical (and it was!) but a whole musical of new Swift songs would be just as amazing.
Musical-worthy line: And you call me up again just to break me like a promise / So casually cruel in the name of being honest

4. Regina Spektor

Another one of my favorites who is completely underrated, Regina Spektor’s musical style is part indie pop, part undefinable. With most songs played either on her piano or guitar, each song has its own distinct style. It’s impossible to try to lock her into one genre – it’s just not how she goes. Her incredible unique style would translate very well to theatre. It would be something that no one has seen before and I think it would be truly beautiful. A few years ago she was writing for a musical, but nothing has been heard about it since.
Musical-worthy line: I know the morning is wiser than the nightime / I know there’s nothing wrong, I shouldn’t feel so down

What do you guys think?

Tag: Taylor Swift

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Musicians Who Should Write Musicals

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