Lin Manuel Miranda has returned to the world of musical theater, this time with Eisa Davis in tow, as they reveal a brand-new musical concept album based on the cult classic movie “The Warriors.”
The classic film “The Warriors,” released in 1979, follows a fictitious gang of the same name residing in New York City as they fight to survive the 30-mile trek from the Bronx to their home in Coney Island. The Warriors have been framed for the murder of a highly respected gang leader, unaware that the other gangs in the city believe them to be the killers. Along the journey, the Warriors must escape encounters from gangs who are trying to avenge their murdered leader’s death. The story comes to a climactic end when the Warriors manage to confront the real killer, Luther, and are able to clear their names.
The concept album follows much of the same format, but with a twist that left some fans of the 1979 movie reeling. For Miranda and Davis’ iteration of “The Warriors,” all the gang members have been gender-swapped, substituting the primarily male cast with new female leads. The musical ultimately benefits from this change, allowing for a more diverse take on the original source material.
Yet another notable difference that sets this concept album apart from the rest is its liberal use of various music genres. These include the likes of rock, salsa, hip-hop, ska and of course musical theater. One of the best songs of the album, “If You Can Count,” is sung by none other than the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill. Hill portrays Cyrus, a highly influential gang leader calling for unity amongst the gangs of New York, whose murder sets off the events of the film.
Among an astonishing 26 songs, some of the most influential include “Derailed,” “Quiet Girls” and “Reunion Square.” The way Miranda and Davis blend a myriad of songs with varying genres into a coherent and extraordinary interpretation of “The Warriors” is inspiring. The album ends with the powerful “Finale,” as the Warriors are finally able to make it home to Coney Island.
The “Warriors” does not shy away from talent as, along with the previously mentioned Ms. Lauryn Hill, the concept album is filled with some of Broadway’s best and brightest. Miranda reunites with his “Hamilton” co-stars Phillipa Soo and Jasmine Cephas Jones to bring the characters of Fox and Swan to the world of musical theater. Amber Gray, who originated Persephone in “Hadestown” on Broadway, assumes and expands upon the role of Ajax in this new musical, who is just so “Sick of Runnin’.”
Overall, Lin Manuel Miranda’s lyrical genius never disappoints, and this time is no different. The “Warriors” concept album is sure to delight fans across all walks of life and is a testament to the power and fluidity of musical theater.
