There are plays that translate well into movies, and there are plays that I feel should remain plays, because of their inherent, well, theatricality. Sound of Music may have benefitted from the scope of filming on location, but plays like Equus, Amadeus and 1776 are meant, I think, to be on stage. History Boys tops the list. All depend on theatrical devices (in the case of Equus, the conceit of having actors play horses, which far, far outweighs the impact of actual horses on screen). When I heard HB had been made into a movie, I was mildly disappointed, because when I sat in that Broadway theater and saw all the theatrical elements of visuals, sound, acting, staging in that amazing mix, I thought nothing could surpass it. I still feel that way. And yes, I did see the original cast, so I was very lucky.

Now here's hoping they don't decide to make a film of "Spring Awakening."