Favorite Stage Musical
 

Okay, time for you all to be real men and admit to a stage musical that is your favorite. I'll start, but I'll post why later, so it'll give others a chance to list their reasons why.

Les Miserables.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

I agree with this choice. I have seen a number of musicals over the years, and this remains my favourite for its very high level of emotional engagement, and music and lyrics that are moving, appropriate, memorable and quite profound.

Miss Saigon is close to this, but isn't quite to this very high standard.

In terms of of comedy value, The Producers is absolutely gut-bustingly funny, and so bad-taste is makes your teeth itch. Delicious.... Also props for the Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors.


Okay, I admit it, I do like musicals a lot...in my time, I've seen the following on stage (as well as the above): Cats, Chess, Oklahoma, King and I, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Cabaret (a big favourite of mine because of the political aspects), Singin in the Rain, Half a Sixpence, and numerous others.

I'd definitely recommend Les Miserables and The Producers to anyone who wants a great night out though.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

Phantom
Sunday in the Park With George

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

Put me down for Les Miz.

Guys and Dolls gets an honorable mention.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

[ QUOTE ]
I agree with this choice. I have seen a number of musicals over the years, and this remains my favourite for its very high level of emotional engagement, and music and lyrics that are moving, appropriate, memorable and quite profound.


[/ QUOTE ]

My reasons for liking Les Miz are almost identical. In fact, I rank it in my Top 5 Artistic Events In Life That Changed How I View The World. An incredibly complex story, inventive staging, a score that requires all the players to have real talent, some good comic relief in a work where nearly everyone is dead by the end, and even the bad guys are likeable while remaining bad.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

Ah - Les Miserables... seen it 3x, Diebitter described it perfectly.

Lion King was thoroughly entertaining. Had a pretty profound effect on me too - was fortunate to have an aisle seat at about row 20. (It's for big kids too!)

Going to see Wicked on Broadway this fall. Anybody seen it?

Cats - a huge disappointment.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

First of all, it all depends on the particular production. It's kind of silly to compare a third-time revival of Guys and Dolls with the first-time production of Cats, or anything else.

Just off the top of my head, I'd include the following in my list of top-notch productions I've seen on Broaday (either in the original or revival form):

Three Penny Opera
Fiddler on the Roof
Company
Evita
Lez Miz
The Wiz
The Music Man
Hairspray
A Chorus Line
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Company
Sweeney Todd
Guys and Dolls

If I were to be asked which musical I consider inherently the best, I'd probably pick West Side Story, even though I've never seen a really good version on the stage.

As for Wicked, my daughter loved it, as do many kids. I thought it was pretty mediocre.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

On Sunday in the Park: I absolutely loved the 1st act, but felt the 2nd act was weak. Anybody else feel the same way?

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

For me it's close between West Side Story & Man of La Mancha.

Re: Favorite Stage Musical
 

also,

A Chorus Line on Broadway and The Fantastiks at that little stage in NY where it played forever.

I also loved Into the Woods and A Little Night Music.

Basically, I think Sondheim is the end all-be all in musical theater.