Month: July 2017

Favourite 21 Musicals!

~ wedgetaildkoptusnetcomau ~ Leave a comment

 

As promised to a few people, I’m going to do a daily countdown of my favourite 21 musicals…. as I post each new entry to Facebook, I’ll update this list…

14. Les Miserables

First performed in 1980, music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and original French-language lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, alongside an English-language libretto with accompanying English-language lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.A

At its best it has some great songs and some great set pieces, and very deserving of a slot in the top 15. However, I do think it struggles under the weight of trying to cover the whole Les Miserables omnibus.

Saw it live in Melbourne in 2014, followed by drinks with the cast afterwards (thanks to a certain Arts Minister!)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lQlyMw3JfI

15. Avenue Q
 
First performed in 2003 written by by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.
 
In turns hilarious and poignant, with some great songs that also range from funny to touching.
 
Saw it live in the West End in 2010, and again in Melbourne in 2016.
 

16. The Pirates of Penzance.

First performed in 1879 with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and words by W. S. Gilbert.

Another obvious one, but very worthy. Cleverer and more polished than Pinafore, and hangs together better and more enjoyable (overall) than Mikado. Memorable songs and characters.

Saw it live in Melbourne starring Jon English, about 1990.

17. Hairspray
First performed in 2002 based on a movie from 1998, with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman.
Its all a little obvious, but its a lot of fun, with some memorable tunes and that wonderful, mythical 1960s setting.
Saw it live in Melbourne about 8 years back.
18. The Sound of Music.
First performed in 1959, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
Probably the second musical I saw (the movie version), its a little long and a little contrived, but the story and songs are deeply memorable.
Not one I’ve seen live.

 

19. Phantom of the Opera.

First performed in 1986, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart
Certainly an iconic show, with great visuals and some huge songs… although it is very weak in the second act.
Saw the Melbourne revival of this, around about 1998.

 

20. Grease

First performed in 1971, Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

Another of those fun musicals that’s full of songs you can sing along to!

Not seen a professional production of Grease, but seen a couple of great school performances.

 

 

21. Promises, Promises.

First performed in 1968, music by Burt Bacharach, lyrics by Hal David, and book by Neil Simon.

A really fun, funny and sweet story with some lovely songs.

I saw a revival of this on Broadway in 2010, starting Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes.