Writing a musical based on “Jaws” in lockdown
A Terrible, Horrible, Monstrous, Terrific Man-Eating musical is an adaptation of the infamous summer blockbuster of 1975. Focusing on establishing each main character through song and approach the subject as the film does. The shark, much like in the first half of the film, is not seen. There are jokes, this isn’t Les Mis but the goal was to treat the world seriously.
Following the journey of Brody, Hooper & Quint as they tackle inner demons and the creature at hand; A Terrible, Horrible, Monstrous, Terrific Man-Eating Musical aims to centre the human characters by allowing the sea shanties and original songs and score to enhance its presence.
Composer/lyricist (and self confessed theatre kid) Luke Crichton began widening his palette and listened to 100 new musicals during lockdown, prompting him to ask “what would I do, if I wrote a musical?"
Starting as an exercise in writing a musical, the craft itself began to interest him, he pursued it…by the end of 2021, 18 songs were completed, as he continued to learn about the art of musical songwriting.
“A family friend gave me the DVD in 2008, I devoured the bonus features and the film which became a great inspiration. My grandad even made the shark out a grey PVC pipe. I still have it to this day.”
“I owe my influences on musical theatre writing to the teachings of Stephen Sondheim, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Youtuber goldentusk whos lyrical prowess still thrills”
“I have always loved Jaws, this project is such a joy to do and though some of it was not plain sailing, I never tire of it - which is especially important for a musical”
“I’m keen to expand to a full cast production of this show - in order to do justice to this story, and the incredible film it is based on”
Luke Crichton, Composer/ Lyricist.A film graduate turned self taught musician, Crichton has written for web series’, audio, theatre productions and completed his first independent feature film score in 2022.
Passionate about film, film music & musical theatre; Luke has always been a firm believer in the story being served by music, guiding the narrative through motif and tone. Influences ranging from Tim Minchin, Bernard Herrmann, Stilgoe & Skellern, Rachel Portman & Stephen Sondheim.
He has also just released his second instrumental album “SKETCHES” , what he calls “an exercise in learning to write the traditional way” which is available to stream.
The show was performed at the Cheltenham Playhouse for their Fringe Festival early this year, featuring an makeshift Orca set constructed by Luke and his family, based upon the Alves designs with Crichton as Brody, Hooper, Quint & Mayor Larry Vaughn in a one-man presentation.
Contact details
LUKE CRICHTON,
COMPOSER/ LYRICIST,
crichtonmusic14@gmail.com