Donkey Kong Country The Musical (2021 Musical)

Donkey Kong Country The Musical is a sung-and-rapped-through musical with music by Paul Koffman, Timothy Foy, and David Wise and book and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is directed by Alex Lacamoire who previously directed the hit musical Hamilton It is based on the 1994 platform game Donkey Kong Country and the 1996-1999 TV series of the same name, along with elements of its video game sequels. After a trial run in Los Angeles, the original Broadway production opened in December 2021 and closed after a run of over 12 months in January 2022. It was followed by a tour of the United States which opened in 2022, and a re-vamped West End production from June 2023 to February 2024.

A high definition filming of the Broadway production, shot by Nintendo, was released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital download on May 14, 2021 in North America and August 26, 2021 in the United Kingdom. The digital version of the film was made available on Netflix beginning in December 2021.

History
Alex Lacamoire (director) began working on the show in November 2021, with Andrew Lloyd Webber who previously worked on the 2001 musical returning the team from 2001. A reading took place on October 12, 2021, with an all-star cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda in the role of Donkey Kong, Sutton Foster as Candy Kong, Chester Gregory as Diddy Kong and Shuler Hensley as King K. Rool.

Act I
Donkey Kong, an ape, comes across the temple of Inka Dinka Doo ("Donkey Kong"), and happens to find a magic glass coconut called the Crystal Coconut, which grants wishes and is capable of answering questions asked of it ("The Crystal Coconut"). Donkey Kong brings the Crystal Coconut back to Cranky Kong's Cabin, and Cranky Kong was skeptical of such coconut, until he sees that it provides magic powers ("Its Power").

Years Later ("Times of Change"), ever since he found the Crystal Coconut, Donkey Kong has since become the protector of the Crystal Coconut. He meets his best friend, Diddy Kong, on his way to fight off intruders ("Best Friends Forever"). Meanwhile, King K. Rool and his minions are seen plotting to steal the Crystal Coconut from Donkey Kong and company in order to rule Kongo Bongo Island ("The Island will be Mine"). Later, Donkey Kong and Diddy are seen fighting against the crocodile minions. During the fight, they meet Candy Kong, Donkey Kong's girlfriend, who doesn't appear to enjoy being ignored during the fight, before Donkey Kong and Diddy leaves the area ("Am I Important to You?").

K. Rool is later seen with his minions, Klump and Krusha, hiding behind the bushes seeing Donkey Kong and Diddy returning to Kranky's Cabin, guarding the Crystal Coconut. K. Rool then proceeds to command his minions to break into the cabin, only to be thwarted by Donkey Kong and Diddy in a comedic fashion ("No Good Plan, No Good Leader"). K. Rool and his minions runs off and Donkey Kong and Diddy celebrate their 5th anniversary of protecting the Crystal Coconut. The celebration is also joined in by Kranky Kong, Candy Kong, Funky Kong, and (brietly) Bluster Kong ("Anniversary Times").

However, later that night, while Donkey Kong and other kongs are asleep, a mysterious cloaked figure snatches the Crystal Coconut from Kranky's Cabin. The figure is revealed to be K. Rool, who had finally successfully stole the Crystal Coconot ("Victory is mine!"). The next morning, the kongs are horrified that the Crystal Coconut has been stolen. Donkey Kong then announces to bring the Crystal Coconut back from K. Rool ("I Shall Bring the Coconut Back!").

Music
The music of Donkey Kong Country The Musical is a combination inspired by both Hamilton in a hip-hop style and Cats in a traditional Broadway music as a fusion of music.