I would say the screenplay is at least "fairly" faithful to the stage script, especially in comparison to many other films of stage musicals. Although I don't feel the combination of Uncle Jocko and Herbie was necessary, I really don't think it harms the script at all. I'm of two minds about the change in regard to June running off with one of the other boys rather than with Tulsa; it does weaken the moment in one sense, but on the other hand, it gives us that really touching, beautifully acted "goodbye" scene between Louise and Tulsa.
I agree that the narration voiceovers were a mistake, And actually, I think the biggest mistake in the adaptation is something you didn't mention: moving "Small World" to earlier in the story, before "Some People." |