I wonder if it would be possible for contemporary writers to adapt the novel/play again and give us a new MAME?
Aside from the rights issues involved, which I'm sure would be numerous and complicated, I wonder if this character and story could resonate with audiences today in a new adaptation that would, I would assume, either drop the more problematic episodes of the story or approach them in an entirely different way that would work better for contemporary audiences.
And would anyone be interested in a MAME musical without the Jerry Herman score? Is that so ingrained that it would be too weird to hear these characters sing in any other way?
I'm not saying "Cancel MAME," but rather, seeing how problematic the show feels nowadays, can these beloved characters and the essence of the story be rescued?
The Peckerwood scenes certainly would be included in there and also too the character of Ito. But the approach to Gooch's pregnancy must have been daring and modern at the time and, of course, serves to showcase the Upsons' faults as the "villains" of that part of the story. They are clearly shown to be heinous people that Patrick is well rid of when he comes to his senses. I'm not sure that really needs to be looked at in the same way. |
