Student Blog: Books That Should Be Adapted For The Stage

In recent years, several Broadway shows have opened that are interesting adaptations of well known books and pieces of literature. Some of the most popular are Wicked, To Kill A Mockingbird and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which have each amazed thousands of audience members in their own ways. But while looking ahead to the return of Broadway, it's fun to wonder about the other potential adaptations of books that could take the stage. As an avid reader myself, I thought it would be fun to think about some of my favorite reads that are best to become a Broadway show.

1. How To Love by Katie Cotugno

This is the book I'm currently reading and even though I haven't finished it, I have read enough to know this would be the perfect pick for a Broadway show adaptation. How To Love is about main character Reena who is navigating life as a teen mom after her beloved boyfriend left town for three years and was never heard of again. But when he returns, Sawyer begins disrupting everything in her life again and Reena has to figure out what to do when the boy she will always love sticks around. The novel is structured with the chapters alternating between "Before" and "After" moments in Reena's life which is the perfect setup for a show. There are countless moments that would be amazing to see on stage and the plot is slightly different than what most would expect for a Broadway show, but only makes the experience of seeing the story unfold that much better.

2. Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams

Despite the fact that I've read an insane amount of books in my life so far, "Our Stop" is easily one of my all time top ten favorites. This book is the perfect feel good romantic comedy that is destined to be a read you love, but also the perfect plotline that would be equally adored on stage. The story focuses on main characters Nadia and David who get on the same train every morning to head to work, but one day an advertisement in the paper's love column is written to Nadia and a romance comes to be in a very different, but incredible way. It's a classic love story that is bound to pull you in, but seeing the plot come to life on stage which captures all the moments within both character's lives until they finally meet would be unlike any other theatrical moment ever before. "Our Stop" is a clear pick when considering books that could take on the iconic Broadway stage.

3. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

"Something Borrowed" is very similar but different than the last two picks on this list. More of an adult fiction than YA, this book is full of important lessons and contains one of the best storylines I've ever read in all honesty. This is also the only book that has received a film adaptation which wasn't completely accurate to the story, but was a great watch nevertheless. The novel is about Rachel who falls in love with her best friend's fiancé after one mistaken night together and follows them throughout their lives while they try to keep their secret relationship a secret from Darcy. With lessons of friendship, life and love intertwined in the plot, it's a no brainer to bring this book to life on a Broadway stage. And because it's set in Manhattan, the musical score would not only be bright but perfectly encapsulate life in New York.

It will be really interesting to see what books make the move to a Broadway stage in the future, but until then, it's definitely fun to dream about the stories we'd like to see become musicals. What are some of your picks?

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