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Entertainment & Arts

Photos: From screen to stage: Musical movie adaptations

Simba, a lion cub born to King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi, grows up and faces his uncle Scar to avenge his father's death and reclaim his place as the rightful king of the pride in "The Lion King." Adapted from 1994's animated Disney film, the musical has been running on Broadway since 1997 and won six out of its 11 Tony nominations, including for musical. "The Lion King" is currently the fourth longest-running Broadway show of all time and has grossed more than $1 billion.

Adapted from 1994’s animated Disney film, “The Lion King” has been running on Broadway since 1997 and won six out of its 11 Tony nominations, including for musical. It is currently the fourth longest-running Broadway show of all time and has grossed more than $1 billion.   (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Movies often turn to the stage for inspiration, but more and more films are spurring stage productions. Here is a look at some popular (and not so popular) musicals that were adapted from the big screen.

By Tracy Brown

"Big Fish" is a story about a father-to-be's difficult relationship with his own tall tale-telling father. Tim Burton's 2003 film was adapted into a musical that had a brief Broadway run in 2013, closing less than three months after its debut.

“Big Fish” is a story about a father-to-be’s difficult relationship with his own tall tale-telling father. Tim Burton’s 2003 film was adapted into a musical that had a brief Broadway run in 2013, closing less than three months after its debut.  (Handout / Getty Images)

Belle, a beautiful bookworm who wants to be appreciated for more than her looks, becomes the reluctant guest in a castle belonging to a prince turned Beast and his servants. The first Disney film to be adapted into a stage production, "Beauty and the Beast" ran on Broadway from 1994 to 2007.

Belle, a beautiful bookworm who wants to be appreciated for more than her looks, becomes the reluctant guest in a castle belonging to a prince turned Beast and his servants. The first Disney film to be adapted into a stage production, “Beauty and the Beast” ran on Broadway from 1994 to 2007.  (Joan Marcus / Handout)

Rocky Balboa is a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship title when the original challenger drops out of the bout in "Rocky." The 1976 film, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, spawned five sequel films and a musical adaptation.

Rocky Balboa is a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship title when the original challenger drops out of the bout in “Rocky.” The 1976 film, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, spawned five sequel films and a musical adaptation.  (Matthew Murphy / Associated Press)

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"Hairspray," set in 1962 Baltimore, follows "pleasantly plump" teen Tracy Turnblad's quest to dance on the "Corny Collins Show." Based on John Waters' 1988 film, "Hairspray" ran on Broadway from 2002 to 2009 and grossed more than $252 million. In 2007, the musical was adapted into a film.

“Hairspray,” set in 1962 Baltimore, follows “pleasantly plump” teen Tracy Turnblad’s quest to dance on the “Corny Collins Show.” Based on John Waters’ 1988 film, “Hairspray” ran on Broadway from 2002 to 2009 and grossed more than $252 million. In 2007, the musical was adapted into a film.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

"Shrek" puts a grumpy ogre spin on the classic fairy-tale formula of a charming prince who travels with his noble steed to rescue a princess and break her curse with true love's kiss. The first DreamWorks film to be adapted as a stage musical, "Shrek" ran on Broadway from 2008 to 2010.

“Shrek” puts a grumpy ogre spin on the classic fairy-tale formula of a charming prince who travels with his noble steed to rescue a princess and break her curse with true love’s kiss. The first DreamWorks film to be adapted as a stage musical, “Shrek” ran on Broadway from 2008 to 2010.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Adapted from the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Monty Python's Spamalot" parodies the legend of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail. "Spamalot" ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2009 and grossed more than $168 million.

Adapted from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot” parodies the legend of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. “Spamalot” ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2009 and grossed more than $168 million.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

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