It was verbatim the screenplay of the film with some extra songs thrown in, which was slightly disappointing. The lead actor mainly just copied Black's performance, although the kids were fantastic. It did make me watch the film right after and it's absolutely insane how it holds up to this day.
shareI saw the musical this weekend and the OP is correct. It is just like the movie which is not really a bad thing. The movie was great and the play is great too. Alex Brightman does a Jack Black impression but that's what works.
What I wonder is why Julian Fellows gets credit for the book when it was Mike White who wrote the movie and it is the same plot.
I mean the basic story is the same but I wouldn't call it verbatim. There's extra storylines with the parents and kids. And Alex Brightman is so fantastic. And he does not just do a Jack Black impression.
shareI just saw it in the uk and the lead did a brilliant jack black impression too.
I was slightly disappointed that they didn't include the end credits song. i know the lyrics were suited for film but i'm sure webber could have come up with something