The Buzz: Musicals

(WSVN) Chances are you've heard the music before -- on stage.
  
Now, the rip-roaring sounds of "Chicago" have made it to the big screen.
  
But could this be the return of the Hollywood musical?

David Ansen, Newsweek Movie Critic, says "Well, I hope so. But I wonder. This following 'Moulin Rouge,' and if it does well, then it's an encouraging sign. We haven't been in a movie musical culture for a long, long time."

"Money makes the world go around, the world go around..."
  
No kidding. It's been 30 years since Bob Fosse's "Cabaret" took eight Oscars, including one each for stars Liza Minelli and Joel Grey.

A little movie named "Grease" topped 181 million dollars making it the monster musical of all time....

But even after Madonna received a Golden Globe in 1997 for Evita the movie never made it past the 50 million mark.  

And Moulin Rouge's oscar nods for the film and it's star Nicole Kidman did nothing to up it's 57 million dollar box office ante. 

"This is risky. We knew that the genre isn't as acceptible as it was years ago. We went into production long before 'Moulin Rouge' came out, so it was sort of uncharted territory."

Younger audiences proved there's money in music: Eminem's "Eight Mile" cashed in for 55 million its first weekend. 
  
Catherine Zeta-Jones points out, "Chicago" may also have the goods for the hip hop crowd, where good is bad.

"There's something dark and dirty and sexy about 'Chicago.' Audiences are ready, I think. I know I am, to go and get taken on this ride in a different genre. So, I hope so."

"THAT's Chicago."

Chicago is in theatres already.

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