What might have been a gambit on the chessboard turned out to be not so much of a risk for Netflix after their hit chess-based TV show The Queen's Gambit starring Anya-Taylor Joy, became the streamer's most watched scripted limited series ever.
Where success goes, money follows, and the news that the show was to be turned into a musical by the production company behind the Jagged Little Pill stage show, which was based on the music of Alanis Morissette, was met with delight by fans amid the news there won't be a sequel to the TV show.
While some musicals based on films and TV shows go on to be huge successes on Broadway, The West End and beyond, others fizzle on their first night.
Here are five hits and five misses that went Broadway ... or bust.
The Hits
1. ‘Waitress’
The 2007 sleeper-hit indie movie starring Felicity's Keri Russell was turned into a stage show and opened in August 2015. With music from American singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, the show, which was adapted from the film – which began life as a book – focused on waitress Jenna Hunterson, a young woman trapped in a dead-end job in a small town, and in an abusive marriage.
Moving to Broadway in March 2016, the show was a huge hit, and was nominated for Tony and Grammy awards. It also made history on Broadway as the first show in which the four top creative spots were filled by women.
‘Jerry Springer’
The controversial American talk show hosted by the eponymous Jerry Springer crossed the pond to be given the British satirical treatment when it was turned into Jerry Springer: The Opera back in 2003. Featuring a tap dancing troupe of Ku Klux Klan members, the London stage show proved as provocative as the talk show, and scooped four Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. Its premiere on BBC2 on UK television resulted in 55,000 complaints.
‘School of Rock’
British theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the man behind Downton Abbey Julian Fellowes teamed up to bring the family favourite film starring Jack Black to the stage.
As with the film, the musical follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a school, and goes on to form a group with his students to win a Battle of the Bands contest. Nominated for four Tony Awards in the US, it won a Laurence Olivier Award in the UK.
The stage show also achieved financial success in Theatreland, recouping its original costs, with Forbes noting: "It's no mean feat for the brand. Profits are rare on Broadway, and even for someone with the pedigree of composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, nothing is guaranteed."
‘Legally Blonde’
It was the film that really put Reese Witherspoon on the map as far as Hollywood was concerned, with The Hollywood Reporter praising her "magnetic presence". And the 2007 musical adaptation started life in the theatres of San Francisco, before moving to Broadway.
Receiving seven Tony Award nominations in the US, the show then moved to the UK in 2010, winning three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The stage show also spawned a reality TV show in which contestants battled it out to play Elle Woods on Broadway.
‘The Addams Family’
With theatre legend Nathan Lane taking on the role of family patriarch Gomez Addams, the stage adaptation of the favourite US TV show and films proved a huge success. Starting life as a 1964 TV show, subsequent small screen outings followed in 1973 and 1992, with two films starring Anjelica Houston and Christina Ricci in 1991 and 1993. The family was also updated for the 2000s in 2019.
The stage show production featured Lane alongside Cheers actress Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia. Reaching 722 performances, the show grossed more than $62 million and won Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.
The Misses
‘Leap of Faith’
The 1992 film about a con man who poses as an evangelical healer showcased US comedy legend Steve Martin at his finest. However, when it came to transitioning the movie to the stage, no one ended up laughing. Despite featuring music by Alan Menken – the EGOT-winning (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) talent behind the musical scores for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, among others – the 2012 musical ran for only 20 shows, with Playbill reporting that backers lost $14 million.
‘Carrie’
Stephen King's seminal 1974 horror novel about a young girl, Carrie White who uses her telekinetic abilities to seek revenge on her bullying classmates, has so far been adapted into four films and sequels. The 1976 movie, starring Sissy Spacek and John Travolta was Oscar-nominated, and Pulp Fiction director, Quentin Tarantino ranked it at No 8 in a list of his all-time favourite films.
The 1988 stage musical however did not get the same amount of love, despite song lyrics courtesy of Tony nominee Dean Pitchford. Carrie closed after just three days on Broadway, and in a 2012 retrospective, The New Yorker posed the question to theatre writers: "Is Carrie the worst musical of all time?"
'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'
While Audrey Hepburn’s onscreen portrayal of Holly Golightly in the beloved 1961 adaptation of Truman Capote’s celebrated novella consistently makes the top 10 in “Favourite cinematic characters of all time” lists, its charm didn’t extend to the musical.
Attempts to transition the film to the stage have achieved notoriety over the years, with the 1966 Broadway show, starring Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain closing after just four previews. The second attempt in 2013, starring Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke as Golightly closed after 38 performances.
‘American Psycho’
From a polarising book to an equally divisive film, American Psycho brought Christian Bale's acting skills to the attention of cinema-goers. Based on US author Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel about a yuppy sociopath who is maybe murdering people in 1980s New York, despite the lyrical skills of Grammy-nominated and Tony-winning songwriter Duncan Sheik, the show ran for just 54 performances, shuttering at a cost of $8.8 million, according to The New York Times.
‘Spider-Man’
With music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge, and Julie Taymor, the visionary behind the wildly successful The Lion King musical directing, and promises of cutting-edge aerial acrobats, how did Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark fail so miserably?
Described by The New York Times as "the most technically complex show ever on Broadway, with 27 aerial sequences of characters flying", the original Broadway show featured Reeve Carney as Peter Parker / Spider-Man.
Plagued by on-set injures and production delays, the show might have run for three years on Broadway, but it failed to make back its $75 million production cost, the largest in Broadway history, and investors reportedly lost more than $60 million.
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Read more:
From ‘True Lies’ to 'Harry Potter': 10 films being turned into TV shows
With many cinemas around the world still closed, how do we judge a film's success?
Here's when 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', 'Loki' and 'No Time to Die' will be released
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
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THE SPECS
Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo
Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)
On sale: Q1 2020
Results
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AIR
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A%20MAN%20FROM%20MOTIHARI
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdullah%20Khan%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPenguin%20Random%20House%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E304%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E542bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E770Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C450%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
SQUADS
South Africa:
Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Bangladesh:
Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Imrul Kayes, Liton Das (wkt), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed.
Coach: Chandika Hathurusingha
Day 5, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Given the problems Sri Lanka have had in recent times, it was apt the winning catch was taken by Dinesh Chandimal. He is one of seven different captains Sri Lanka have had in just the past two years. He leads in understated fashion, but by example. His century in the first innings of this series set the shock win in motion.
Stat of the day This was the ninth Test Pakistan have lost in their past 11 matches, a run that started when they lost the final match of their three-Test series against West Indies in Sharjah last year. They have not drawn a match in almost two years and 19 matches, since they were held by England at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in 2015.
The verdict Mickey Arthur basically acknowledged he had erred by basing Pakistan’s gameplan around three seam bowlers and asking for pitches with plenty of grass in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Why would Pakistan want to change the method that has treated them so well on these grounds in the past 10 years? It is unlikely Misbah-ul-Haq would have made the same mistake.
Upcoming games
SUNDAY
Brighton and Hove Albion v Southampton (5.30pm)
Leicester City v Everton (8pm)
MONDAY
Burnley v Newcastle United (midnight)
ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2
UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m
Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
The specs: 2019 Infiniti QX50
Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 268hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy: 6.7L / 100km (estimate)
Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, May 3
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.
Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Raheem Sterling
The%20Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELamborghini%20LM002%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205.2-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20450hp%20at%206%2C800rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%20at%204%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFive-speed%20manual%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%209%20seconds%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201986-93%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20vehicles%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20328%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue%20today%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24300%2C000%2B%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Profile of Udrive
Date started: March 2016
Founder: Hasib Khan
Based: Dubai
Employees: 40
Amount raised (to date): $3.25m – $750,000 seed funding in 2017 and a Seed round of $2.5m last year. Raised $1.3m from Eureeca investors in January 2021 as part of a Series A round with a $5m target.
