Being a big ol’ theatre queen, I thought I would share what I believe are my top 10 favorite musicals of all-time. It’s tough enough coming up with just 10, so I won’t even attempt to put them in any particular order.
A Chorus LineQuintessential classic about auditions for a Broadway musical, featuring gay, Puerto Rican, black, Jewish, Asian, and WASP characters. And Cassie, who gets in because she slept with the director and learns not to pop her head. So to speak.
Les MiserablesTragic, epic, accessible. And that march-step/waving flag finale of act one still induces goose-bumps.
Ragtime
A slice of Americana with several intertwining stories and a fantastic Ahrens/Flaherty score. “Wheels of a Dream” evokes pure patriotism.
A slice of Americana with several intertwining stories and a fantastic Ahrens/Flaherty score. “Wheels of a Dream” evokes pure patriotism.
WickedYes, I admit it… I love this show. I’m neither 12, nor a girl, but I got chills when Elphaba flew.
Crazy for You
One of the few shows I saw more than once on Broadway. Great old Gershwin songs, and a farcical book by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor).Fun, fun, fun! My first Susan Stroman experience... brilliant.
One of the few shows I saw more than once on Broadway. Great old Gershwin songs, and a farcical book by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor).Fun, fun, fun! My first Susan Stroman experience... brilliant.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pure entertainment, old-school musical. I saw this one three times on Broadway and once here in Chicago on a tour. And fell in love with Marc Kudisch.
Pure entertainment, old-school musical. I saw this one three times on Broadway and once here in Chicago on a tour. And fell in love with Marc Kudisch.
Baby
This one has sentimental value, since I was in it once and musical directed it twice. It’s a great show for an intimate setting and also great for community theatre.
This one has sentimental value, since I was in it once and musical directed it twice. It’s a great show for an intimate setting and also great for community theatre.
Company
Possibly my favorite Sondheim show. It was the first of his that I ever saw (my college did it), and I was utterly hooked in every way. It was also the first show I was ever in (I played Harry).
Possibly my favorite Sondheim show. It was the first of his that I ever saw (my college did it), and I was utterly hooked in every way. It was also the first show I was ever in (I played Harry).
Into the Woods
I laugh, I cry, I smile… lots of great songs, and one of my favorite to have musical directed and played piano for.
I laugh, I cry, I smile… lots of great songs, and one of my favorite to have musical directed and played piano for.
FolliesA masterpiece of Sondheim with a score rich in contemporary ballads as well as delightful but sarcastic pastiche. A sad but realistic commentary on the state of theatre, memory and marriage (well, in 1970 anyway).
Alright, feel free to share yours. But leave mine alone!
3 comments:
These are mine, in no particular order:
1. Wicked
2. Chicago
3. A Chorus Line
4. Rent
5. Mama Mia
6. Hairspray
7. Phantom of the Opera (oh yeah!)
8. 42nd Street
9. My Fair Lady
10. Cats
10. Just kidding on Cats. Last but not least, Les Mis
Big Mac Daddy & LN:
"My Fair Lady" is considered by some to be the "perfect" musical, in which the songs actually move the story along and are seamlessly woven into the plot. Of the "classics" (pre-1970, let's say), this would be way up there-- in my top 20, for sure. Far above Rodgers & Hammerstein and most of Jerry Herman.
Andrew Lloyd Webber-- I hate all of his, except "Sunset Boulevard." I love that monkey.
Great list! Gypsy and Sweeney are at the top. I'd also list Susnet Blvd up there, too. Any show with a "stand back and watch the lady belt" is my kind of show. Or a show with sparkles and tapdancing.
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