From Page to Stage to Screen: Adaptations and Their Influence on Culture, Community, and Creative Expression

Narratives appear in various forms, including stage productions, novels, and musical compositions. In recent decades, works such as Mamma Mia, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Matilda, and Mean Girls have achieved prominence not only through commercial success but also by significantly shaping popular culture. These adaptations have expanded the possibilities of narrative transformation, extended their cultural influence, and cultivated unique communities.

ABBA, the Swedish pop group, illustrates the transformative capacity of adaptation, as their music was reimagined into a global theatrical phenomenon. The group’s complex personal histories and emotionally resonant songs provided a foundation for narrative development, culminating in the creation of Mamma Mia!, which premiered on Broadway in 2001 after achieving international acclaim. Mamma Mia! set itself apart through its jukebox musical format and the emotional authenticity of ABBA’s catalogue. The songs fostered a strong connection with audiences, who responded enthusiastically to the production. Tracks such as “Dancing Queen” became cultural anthems, while traditions like the “Super Trouper bridal shower choreography” exemplify the musical’s influence on social practices.

The success of the Broadway production enabled the development of the Mamma Mia! films, which further increased the franchise’s cultural impact. These films served as community events, with audiences participating by attending in costume, organizing themed gatherings, and engaging in collective singing in cinemas. The portrayal of Greek island settings, energetic dance sequences, and dynamic character interactions established Mamma Mia! as a source of comfort and communal enjoyment. For many, the franchise became a cultural rite of passage, providing both catharsis and celebration that extends beyond traditional musical theatre to form a recurring social ritual.

Before ABBA’s influence on the jukebox musical, The Wizard of Oz had already established a new model for adaptation. L. Frank Baum’s original children’s book, recognized for its whimsy and eccentricity, was transformed by the 1939 film into a Technicolor milestone, introducing Judy Garland’s iconic performance and the now-legendary ruby slippers. The film’s cultural legacy is extensive, inspiring Halloween costumes, numerous reinterpretations of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and widely recognized cinematic references such as “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” The Wizard of Oz set a standard for ongoing narrative reinvention in response to technological, cultural, and audience changes, particularly in its portrayal of witches. The 2003 musical Wicked marked a new era of theatrical enthusiasm. “Defying Gravity” became a benchmark for aspiring vocalists, green face paint became a popular Halloween accessory, and friendship bracelets labeled “Elphaba & Glinda” emerged as symbols of female empowerment and complex relationships. Wicked generated a sense of magic that extended beyond the stage, evident in fan communities who attended stage doors, memorized musical arrangements, and closely followed casting developments. Anticipation for upcoming film adaptations has heightened engagement, promising to introduce the narrative to new audiences and reigniting discussions about the unique qualities of stage and screen. These debates highlight the depth of audience investment in adaptation and the personal significance these stories hold.

Matilda represents another significant example of adaptation, originating from Roald Dahl’s novel, which presents an empowering narrative focused on a young girl overcoming adversity through compassion and ingenuity. The 1996 film adaptation achieved cult status, with characters such as Miss Trunchbull and Matilda embodying themes of bravery, intelligence, and resistance. The 2010 stage musical, featuring compositions by Tim Minchin, further deepened the story’s emotional resonance, with songs such as “When I Grow Up” exploring themes of childhood and independence. Subsequent adaptations, including the musical film, have introduced Matilda to new audiences, generating viral cultural moments and reinforcing the lasting appeal of resilience and self-advocacy.

Mean Girls followed a similar trajectory, characterized by a contemporary tone. The 2004 film became a generational touchstone, frequently quoted, referenced across social media, and celebrated annually on October 3rd. Its Broadway adaptation demonstrated the narrative’s capacity for transformation into large-scale musical numbers and incisive commentary on adolescent social dynamics. The subsequent Mean Girls musical film further expanded the franchise’s appeal, engaging younger audiences and establishing the work as a multi-format cultural landmark. Each adaptation broadened the fan base, including original film enthusiasts, Broadway audiences, and new generations of viewers. Few adaptations maintain such enduring relevance and cross-demographic appeal.

Taken together, Mamma Mia, Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Matilda, and Mean Girls illustrate that stage and screen serve as complementary rather than competing media. The stage offers emotional immediacy and the dynamic presence of live performance, while the screen provides expansive reach, visual detail, and accessibility for geographically dispersed audiences. Stories that transition successfully between formats preserve their emotional core and inspire audiences to develop cultural practices such as sing-alongs, cosplay, themed events, and viral trends.

Adaptations go beyond narrative retelling to foster communities. They allow individuals to identify with characters, connect through shared cultural references, and establish new traditions. The distinctive symbols associated with each fandom, such as Mamma Mia’s blue jumpsuits, Wicked’s green glitter, Matilda’s spirit of resilience, and Mean Girls’ pink-themed humor, demonstrate that these stories are actively lived by their audiences. As adaptations continue to evolve, audiences remain engaged and seek to experience these narratives across multiple formats.