I love going to musicals - they always make me feel like dancing and singing. Which might be why the Hubster doesn't take me to them anymore. He's great, but there's only so much bleeding-ear-syndrome a guy can take.
ANYWAY, let's talk favorite musicals, shall we? Some of my favorites are, in no particular order:
Fiddler on the Roof, written by Joseph Stein, music by the genius Jerry Brock, lyrics by the brilliant Sheldon Harnick. It's about ordinary people, who manage to find beauty and love even in the midst of oppression and heartbreak. When I was a teenager, I loved it because the daughters showed their papa that when it comes to marriage, love conquers all. As an adult, I love it because it shows how we can keep going even when life insists on smacking us down. It's wonderful.
Guys and Dolls, written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, music and lyrics by the incredible Frank Loesser. This musical is pure fun. The permeation of the musical numbers "A Bushel and a Peck", "Luck Be a Lady", and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" through popular culture in the '50s is evidence of just how powerful they were, and in many ways, still are. And who can turn down a Tony Award Winning musical? Not me.
The Phantom of the Opera, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the book
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, lyrics by Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe, and Alan Jay Lerner. This is a classic, guys. It's dark and twisty and dark and mournful and passionate and just perfect. And did I mention dark? And did you know that it's possibly one of the most, if not THE most, successful pieces of entertainment ever? It is with shame that I admit that despite my Phantom love, I have yet to see the movie. What can I say - I identified with the Phantom, and I wanted to be Christine. This bright shiny blog is just a cover-up for my secret pain.
As always, there are more musicals out there that I love, but I think I should stop at three. Now it's your turn. What musicals do you love? Are there any great ones out there I might not have heard of?
Great list! I definitely enjoy musicals more if I'm at the theater show (I don't think musicals translate into film as well as they could.) I was totally blown away by Wicked. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh I love musicals too! I was in show choir in high school and actively involved in them. My all time favorite is Les Miserables. I saw it in Chicago, but my husband and daughter got to see it in London (I was stuck back in the hotel with our youngest child!) but the Phantom of the Opera is amazing, too. I'm thinking of going to see Wicked, soon, too.
ReplyDeleteI hope your husband will go with you again soon!
Sound of Music is right up there for me. Gypsy and Cats are great too. Want to see Wicked though, hear that is great!
ReplyDeleteGreat list!!
My favorite is Les Mis as well. The music is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving such a wonderful comment.
CD
I love musicals too! I just saw the Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages, and it was amazing! Such a sad story. Of the musicals I've seen, I loved RENT and The Lion King. I really want to see Wicked because everyone I know who has seen it says it's so good.
ReplyDeleteOkay and it's not like a classic musical or anything, but one of my favorite movies is Moulin Rouge. :D
I am SADLY lacking in my musical experience... I did see Movin' Out on broadway and loved it! I also just saw my first ever Opera (Salome) which was really cool too.
ReplyDeleteI grew up loving Fiddler and Sound of Music. I also REALLY love South Pacific. That one's probably my all time fave. And I was an opera singer for a while (before kids) and have my favorite operas: The Ballad of Baby Doe, The Magic Flute, Falstaff, Lakme ... I could go on an on. But yeah.
ReplyDeleteSouth Pacific!
lbdiamond, YES, live is the best way to go with musicals. And I want to see Wicked, too! I've heard it's amazing!
ReplyDeleteCarolina, I haven't managed to see Les Mis yet, but it's high on my list. I stated reading the book years ago, but never managed to finish it. I't's still sitting on my shelf, calling to me.
Colene, Sound of Music and Cats - oh, two great ones. Thanks for commenting!
Clarissa, now I HAVE to see Les Mis at the next opportunity, since two people have recommended it!
Krispy, Moulin Rouge was good, wasn't it? I love Baz Luhrman's films. And wow, can Ewan Macgregor sing!
Sara, I almost saw Movin' Out - I am a HUGE billy Joel fan - but we narrowly missed out on tickets.
Ali, South Pacific is another great one to add to the list of greats! And you were an OPERA SINGER?!? WOWZA! I had no idea! That's pretty cool, you know. I love The Magic Flute - it's one of my faves.
Les Mis is my all-time favorite, but Fiddler on the Roof is way up there. :) Fun post.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen many musicals, but I did like Cats and Le Mis.
ReplyDeleteLove musicals!! West Side Story is my favorite. I'm a sucker for the love stories ;o) So Phantom fits too ;o)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
my favourite musical,and my favourite film generally, is definitely MOULIN ROUGE - amazing creative vision, amazing actors, amazing songs ... simply amazing!
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