Monster High live is a live action musical stage show based on the Monster High franchise. Monster High is a fashion doll franchise created by Mattel that features teenage characters who are the children of famous monsters. Some of the most popular Monster High characters include Frankie Stein (daughter of Frankenstein’s monster), Draculaura (daughter of Dracula), Clawdeen Wolf (daughter of the werewolf), and Cleo de Nile (daughter of the mummy).
What is the Monster High live show about?
The Monster High live musical stage show brings the characters of Monster High to life through elaborate costumes, sets, song and dance numbers, and special effects. The story follows Frankie Stein and her friends as they start a new school year at Monster High. As new students, they work to navigate the cliques and social hierarchies of high school, make new friends, follow their passions, and stay true to themselves.
Throughout the show, the characters put on a talent show fundraiser to support conservation efforts for endangered monsters. They face opposition from mean ghouls like Cleo de Nile, who originally scoff at the idea. But eventually Cleo and the other characters learn to accept each other’s differences, come together and discover that when they work together, anything is possible.
Who stars in the Monster High live musical?
The Monster High live musical features professional stage and theater actors bringing the animated Monster High characters to life. The cast may vary in different productions and tours, but some notable stars have included:
- Frankie Stein – Played by Carrie St. Louis in the US national tour.
- Draculaura – Played by Arielle Crosby in the US national tour.
- Clawdeen Wolf – Played by Analise Rios in the US national tour.
- Cleo de Nile – Played by Tricia Matthews in the US national tour.
- Lagoona Blue – Played by Lorean Valleroy in the US national tour.
- Ghoulia Yelps – Played by Dale Waddington in the UK tour.
- Deuce Gorgon – Played by Dylan Mullins in the US tour.
What are some of the musical numbers?
The Monster High live show features upbeat musical dance numbers and rock-pop songs that bring the characters and high school setting to life. Some fan favorite songs include:
- “We Are Monster High” – Opening number introducing the characters.
- “Freaky Fashionista” – Clawdeen’s song about bold fashion.
- “Nefera Again” – Cleo’s comparison to her sister Nefera.
- “Power Ghouls” – An inspiring anthem about female empowerment.
- “Steal Your Heart” – Draculaura falls for “the boy next door.”
- “We Will Rock the World” – Finale song bringing everyone together.
What is the show’s creative team?
The Monster High live musical has a creative team of Broadway and theater veterans behind it, including:
- Julianne Brazzell – Director
- Shea Cohen – Costume designer
- David T. Patterson – Set designer
- Shani Barrett – Lighting designer
- Ethan D. Pakchar – Musical director/arranger
- Kelli Rae Adams – Choreographer
- Glenn Slater – Lyricist
- Benjamin Cox – Orchestrator
When did Monster High live first premiere?
Monster High live first premiered in March 2016 at the Bank of America Theatre in Chicago. After the Chicago run and positive reception, the musical launched its first national tour around the US and Canada starting in October 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The original tour ran through December 2017.
Since then, Monster High live has had additional tour productions and runs globally, including a UK tour in 2017 and tours in Mexico, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
What ages is the show appropriate for?
Monster High live is aimed at family audiences and suitable for kids, tweens, teens and adults. Most productions recommend ages 5 and up. As a family-friendly show, there is no overly scary, violent or inappropriate content. The show has broad appeal with its music, costumes, dancing and positive themes.
What do critics and audiences say about the show?
The Monster High live musical has generally received positive reviews from professional theater critics and very enthusiastic feedback from fans. Critics have praised the show for its flashy high-energy dance numbers, costumes, and strong vocal performances. Many describe it as a spectacle akin to a rock concert for kids.
Here are some examples of critic and audience reactions:
Source | Quote |
---|---|
The New York Times | “Peppy, bright and cheerfully noisy. The target audience of little girls, many waving witch or skeleton dolls, seemed thrilled.” |
Chicago Tribune | “The songs are catchy, the girls give good fierceness and the monsters are more silly than scary.” |
Fan review | “My daughter is obsessed and said this was the best day of her life. The costumes and sets are amazing.” |
Fan review | “The choreography is next level. The whole show is just non-stop excitement with great messages for kids.” |
Where can you buy tickets to see Monster High live?
Tickets to see Monster High live are available through the official tour website or ticket retailers like Ticketmaster when a production is running in your area. Venues have included theaters in major cities along the tour route. Price ranges vary based on seat location, but average from around $40-$80 for good seats.
Tour schedules are announced a few months in advance, so the best way to find out when Monster High live is coming near you is to check the official website for newly announced dates, cities and ticket on-sale info.
Due to the show’s popularity, it is recommended to buy tickets early before shows sell out, especially for weekend and holiday performances.
Can you buy Monster High live merchandise?
In addition to the live show, exclusive Monster High live merchandise is also available for fans to purchase at the theater. This typically includes items like:
- Show T-shirts with tour dates
- Cast signed posters
- Souvenir programs
- Character dolls and plush toys
- Water bottles and other themed accessories
Purchasing merchandise is a fun way for fans to extend the experience and commemorate seeing the show live. The merchandise selection focuses on items not readily available at regular retail stores, making them unique souvenirs of the event.
How long does the Monster High live show run?
Monster High live is a full-length theatrical production running approximately 90 minutes plus an intermission. The running time may vary slightly between productions, but it provides an engaging experience for audiences that runs about 2 hours total.
The stage show is able to bring to life the animated Monster High stories through song, dance, dialogue and humor across multiple scenes and sets. Fans get to see their favorite characters come to life in front of their eyes for an unforgettable live theater event.
Is Monster High live appropriate for young kids?
Monster High live is created with young audiences in mind, but the show is intended to appeal to a wide age range. Most productions recommend ages 5 and up. There is no overly frightening, violent or inappropriate content.
For very young viewers, there is a lot of loud music, dancing, flashing lights and special effects that could potentially be startling. But the characters themselves are more fanciful than scary. The story themes promote positivity.
Parents know their children best. For kids ages 3-6, be prepared to possibly step out if it’s overwhelming. Most find it thoroughly entertaining throughout and perfect for their young Monster High fans.
How is Monster High live different from the webisodes or movies?
In some ways, the live show is similar to the animated Monster High content by bringing the characters to life with their unique personalities and monster styles intact. However, there are key differences between the mediums:
- Live singing and dancing – Original songs and choreography created for the stage.
- Elaborate theatrical costumes and sets – Emphasis on showstopping visuals and effects.
- Abridged storytelling – Condenses and combines elements vs. episodic storylines.
- Emphasis on music/concerts – Stage show has a rock concert-style energy.
- Interactive – Live audience engagement and responses.
Seeing the characters portrayed by live actors/singers/dancers adds energy and novelty compared to film/TV. The live show stands out as a unique way to experience Monster High.
Is Monster High live suitable for boys?
Absolutely! While the Monster High brand appeals predominantly to girls, the live show is very suitable for boys to enjoy as well. Key factors making it fun for all include:
- Upbeat music/dancing – Pop songs and dance numbers have mass appeal.
- Comedy/humor – Funny moments mixed into the show.
- Monster elements – Creature characters/effects appeal beyond just glamour.
- Positive messages – Emphasis on friendship, acceptance, being yourself.
- Interactive – Clapping, cheering etc. for high engagement.
Many boys join in the enthusiasm as fans. With a runtime under 2 hours, it’s an exciting stage experience suitable for school-age kids of any gender.
How popular is Monster High as a franchise?
Monster High has become one of the most popular and successful franchises in the dolls category since its launch in 2010. Some measures of its popularity and cultural impact include:
- Over 3 billion dollars in global retail sales (2010-2015).
- Top 5 fashion doll brand in the US.
- Over 100 Monster High inspired consumer products.
- Online content viewed over 4 billion times.
- Highly ranked among girls’ toy brands on social media.
- Inspired an animated series, TV specials, movies and music albums.
- Live tour seen by over 1 million audience members globally.
Monster High’s edgy but kid-friendly take on monster themes resonated widely. The franchise brought something fresh and new to engage kids in play. Its success paved the way for other toy lines embracing imperfection and diversity.
Is Monster High still popular in 2022?
While Monster High’s heyday was arguably 2010-2015, the franchise remains very popular today. Mattel has sought to revive Monster High in recent years with new tv/web content, merchandise and brand initiatives like the live musical.
Key reasons it still resonates:
- Core themes still feel relevant – accepting differences, diversity, embracing what makes you unique.
- O.G. fans still feel nostalgic attachment – The edgy characters stand out.
- Next generation discovering it new – Recent content and merch bringing new young fans.
- Halloween/spooky appeal evergreen – Monster High always fits this zone.
- Strong cosplay community – The costumes, makeup and aesthetics inspire creativity.
While it doesn’t dominate pop culture, Monster High retains a dedicated fandom. The live show helps sustain enthusiasm and expose new audiences.
What age range is the Monster High fandom?
Monster High appeals to a wide cross-section of ages:
- Core kids demo: 6-12 year olds, especially girls.
- Teens: 13-17 year olds who grew up with Monster High.
- Young adults: 18-25 year olds with nostalgia for their “childhood brand”.
- Parents: Adults who enjoy Monster High with their kids.
- Collectors: Adult doll collectors appreciate the unique designs.
The edgy-cute aesthetic, fierce confidence and embrace of imperfections reach a broad age range. Monster High live concerts reflect this, attracting multi-generational fans.
Did Monster High get discontinued? What is the franchise status?
Monster High has continued since its 2010 debut through various ups and downs, including:
- 2016-2018 – Movie/content hiatus after doll sales slowed.
- 2019 – Relaunch with new “reboot” web series.
- 2020 – New line of 2D animation dolls/merch.
- 2021 – Release of live action TV movie Monster High The Movie.
- 2022 – Revival and expanded licensing.
While the brand has evolved, Monster High has not been discontinued. Mattel reports the franchise is seeing high engagement and plans to ramp up content. The live tour helps maintain visibility. Monster High remains an influential brand.
What makes the Monster High characters unique?
Monster High characters stand out from typical dolls with their bold, monster-inspired personalities and designs:
- Creative mashups – Mummies, werewolves, sea creatures, zombies and more.
- Colorful freaky fashion – Mixing edgy, unusual aesthetics.
- Empowered freaky flaws – Owning imperfections as strengths.
- Ghoul power attitude – Breaking conventional expectations.
- Backstories rooted in monster pop culture lore.
- Visually striking and detailed doll designs.
- Witty, punny character names.
Rather than shy away from extremes, Monster High characters embrace what makes them different. This message resonates widely with fans seeking to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Conclusion
Monster High live brings the beloved characters of Monster High to the stage for an energetic, musical theater experience for the whole family. Fans can see their favorite freaky fabulous Monster High students come to life through elaborate production numbers, catchy songs, humor and positive themes. While staying true to the distinctive personalities and aesthetic of Monster High, the live show offers a unique way to engage with the franchise. It continues to thrill established fans worldwide.