Ok--musicals....I'm also working on musicals

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

(Can anyone tell this is how I am dealing with election season stress?)

I have also decided to educate myself on all these musicals I've never seen.

So weekend before last was "Camelot" (oh myyyy that was good!) and last weekend was "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The friend I saw it with has seen it a million times so she moved my coffee table so she could do the Tapioca while they were doing it in that scene.

And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I thought Thoroughly Modern Millie was SO damn cute, I want it on DVD now. And I want to put Carol Channing in my pocket and carry her around with me. "RASPBERRIES!"

Next weekend is "The Music Man." Never saw it.

Any recommendations? I HAVE seen "Hair" and really liked it, believe it or not. And I HAVE seen "Les Miserable" in person. Sublime.

But other than that, I am afraid I have woefully large gaps when it comes to musicals.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. I take it you've seen Singin in the Rain

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

2. No

do you recommend?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. yes...if you are into the choreography...it's one of the best

[salvorhardin]

4. Andrew Lloyd Webber

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (try to get the version Donnie Osmond did for PBS a while back)
Jesus Christ Superstar
Evita (the Madonna movie version is not too bad)
Sunset Boulevard (I don't think there's any version of this on DVD yet)

and if you can stomach it, get the version of Cats that was also done for PBS a while back.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

7. I've tried Cats

I've tried soooooooooo hard with Cats. Just. Can't. Do it.

And I can hardly stomach Donnie Osmond, but I will take your recommendations and run with 'em!

Thanks!

[salvorhardin]

45. I know how you feel about Donnie Osmond

However, I was really suprised at this production of Joseph & TATD.

I agree about Cats too. That's why I added it at the end with the qualifier.

I'd recommend The Fantastiks but I've heard the movie version from 2000 was terrible. If you ever get to see a good theatrical production of this musical I highly recommend it.

Little Shop of Horrors? The movie was really pretty good although again I'd really recommend a good theatrical version of it, especially with the original off Broadway ending (I won't say what it is because I don't want to spoil it for anyone).

[salvorhardin]

5. Forgot...

Mame!

[pagerbear]

13. Pager shudders in disgust!

I love musicals, but just can't stomach Mame. Epecially since I so love Auntie Mame. Rosalind Russell could do no wrong in my book!

Now, there's a road we should send Moonbeam down--Rosalind Russell movies!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

18. Eh?

Who is Rosalind Russell?

[pagerbear]

21. Please tell me you're not serious!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

25. Ok I won't.

But I am. Who is she?

Am I even more ignorant than I thought? (How do you know what you don't know if you don't know it?)

[pagerbear]

44. Some terrific Rosalind Russell movies

Gypsy
Auntie Mame
The Women
Picnic
His Girl Friday

Read about her here.

[LDS Jock]

42. We'll always be bosom buddies...

friends, sisters and pals..

I loved Mame too, but Lucille Ball just can't sing! But Bea Arthur was wonderful as Vera Charles :D

[Beaverhausen]

6. My Fair Lady; Sound of Music; Bye Bye Birdie

by the way I'm in Hair - Ok I'm in the crowd scene at the end but still!!!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

9. No way, REALLY?

That was always one of my favorite movies....Treat Williams and Beverly D'Angelo right? LOVE IT!

harmony and understanding....

[noamnety]

8. Children of Eden!

I don't know if there is a DVD out of it, but if you see it playing at a community theatre, go. You don't need to limit yourself to broadway vs. video; community theatre can be great.

[Cheswick2.0]

12. I agree, go see local theater

depending on where you live it might be professional too.
Children of Eden has the best song, but I can't think of it....damn.
I guess it will come to me later.

[noamnety]

30. best children of eden song?

So many good ones. I'm guessing Lost in the Wilderness, The Wasteland, or Stranger to the Rain?

[Cheswick2.0]

52. Those are all great

I am remembering an older woman with a deep soulful voice...uh duh, its the title song and the other is Spark of Creation.

[liontamer]

10. some of my faves currently on broadway

kiss me kate, rent , and (hiding head in shame) aida if you you can handle a VERY Disney musical. (I saw it with heather headley and adam pascal, it was awesome).

[pagerbear]

14. Kiss Me Kate is a terrific movie

"Brush up your Shakespeare" is so cute! And who'd have thought you'd see Spencer Tracy dancing!!!!

[liontamer]

17. lioness and I love the soundtrack

especially tom, dick, or harry and Always True to You (In My Fashion)

[Misunderestimator]

40. And don't forget .... "I Hate Men"

:D

[pagerbear]

48. God yes!

Good old Ann Miller! What a classy broad!

[fudge stripe cookays]

66. And Kathryn Grayson sang that one....

Just an observation.

Do you hate me yet?
:D
FSC

[pagerbear]

93. Harumph!

I'm turning into my dad--a brilliant memory for inaccurate details.

[liontamer]

63. lol

[fudge stripe cookays]

64. Not Spencer Tracy, dear Pager.

It was James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn.

Definitely Kiss Me Kate! I Adore Cole Porter.

My mom got me hooked on it when I was young, and I used to walk around singing "I Hate Men" when I was a wee 13.

:D
Oh, and Showboat. I grew up on those 2.

FSC

[pagerbear]

86. I stand corrected.

Well, OK, I'm sitting down.

It's just as startling seeing James Whitmore do it as seeing Spencer Tracy.

Oh yes! Showboat! How could I have forgotten that one?

[Cheswick2.0]

11. You will LOVE Music Man............ then see Carousel

It will break your heart. I know you have seen the King and I. It has been on TV a million times. But if not see that.
Also, Jesus Christ Super Star is the ultimate Rock Opera. The movie version has the best 1970s kick ass dance in the title number.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

15. I've never seen The King and I

Yul Brynner right? Haven't seen it.

I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and we do actually have a good theater scene. Tickets can be steep, but we adore non-musicals. Other than Les Mis haven't seen any other live musical. That is good advice, though.....have to start checking the paper on that.

[redqueen]

16. Sound of Music is my favorite

What's the one about the village that disappears and then returns only every long while?

[Cheswick2.0]

20. Brigadoon

The "heather on the hill"

[redqueen]

23. That's it... yes.

I liked that one too. And all the other classics everyone has mentioned.

Haven't seen Carousel yet, though. Thanks for the tip. :)

[Cheswick2.0]

29. Get your tissues ready

It is beautiful and the music gives me chills.

[pagerbear]

19. Gypsy!

And anyone know the musical The Apple Tree. I don't know why my parents had the cast recording, but I listened it countless times as a kid. That's a musical that should be resurrected!

[Cheswick2.0]

26. I don't know The Apple Tree

But I know the Golden Apple........ all about the Hellen of Troy and Paris, Penelope. It's generally a really horrid musical. But it's the first professional production I ever did.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

59. Oh my god- another person who knows of the Golden Apple?!

I thought I'd never find another person who had heard of it, let alone actually been a part of a production.

"It's a lazy afternoon..."

[Cheswick2.0]

74. HI!!! lol

Did you know that Barbara Strisand recorded that song in the 60s?
I was in the chorus, just a young kid, so I got to sing "by the goona goona goon........." :7

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

28. There you go

you hit on one I've been curious for some time now: Gypsy. I've heard the soundtrack and LOVED it.

[LDS Jock]

43. yes.. Gypsy.. with Bette Midler

I adore Bette and the finale of "Rose's Turn" is just perfect. Occasionally I perform my own version in the shower. I wonder if the neighbors can hear?

[pagerbear]

46. "Some people got it and make it pay

...some people can't even give it away!
This people's got it and this people's spreadin' it around!
Do you like it? Well, I got it!"

[LDS Jock]

49. "How do you like them eggrolls..

Mr. Goldstone?" (while cupping breasts)

[pagerbear]

50. I think I love you, LDS!

And your little dog, too!

[LDS Jock]

54. LOL.. love you too pagerbear

I have the tape of "Gypsy" and now I'm going to have to get it out to watch. If only you were here to reenact it with me as it plays.

[pagerbear]

55. I'll be right over!

[noamnety]

22. I second Aida

I say it on Broadway, too - with Simone. And I have to say, she was awesome not only on stage, but afterwards also. I was chaperoning a trip of kids from Michigan that sang at the one year Ground Zero memorial service. We went to see Aida, and afterwards, we waiting outside and she signed autographs - and when she heard why we were in NYC, she asked to hear the kids sing. So they gave an impromptu performance on the streets there on Broadway for her, and it was a song she knew, so she joined in with them.

Anyway, also Miss Saigon is good.

[Misunderestimator]

24. "Sweeney Todd" and "Rent"

[Dookus]

27. sigh

you are SOOOO behind the times.

Greatest musical ever (besides Wizard of Oz) is "Singin' in the Rain".

Next best is "The King and I"

Then, you hafta see "West Side Story", "My Fair Lady","Meet Me in St. Louis", "On the Town", "Guys and Dolls" and "The Music Man".


For more recent stuff, see "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", "Evita", "Moulin Rouge" and "Chicago".

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

33. I'm so proud of myself!

I've seen Moulin Rouge AND Chicago! I have both on DVD!!

Yay me!

But the others? Gulp. Not a one.

I'll be remedying that over the next several weeks. Marathons every weekend at my house in Dallas, lizards! We do a musical first, then a Hitchcock once it's dark!

If you know the tunes and/or steps to the musical you have to get up and do them/sing them.

If you know the Hitchcock film, you can't talk! LOL!

[fudge stripe cookays]

69. Seen Vertigo yet?

It's my absolutely favorite Hitchcock.

FSC

[pagerbear]

34. A great list

Meet Me in St. Louis makes me cry. I'm getting misty now!

The Music Man is a masterpiece--the opening number is simply amazing!

Guys and Dolls--also amazing! Visually stunning, too!

[Sydnie]

31. Ohh so many

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Meet Me in St. Louis, Chicago (Richard Geer will surprise you here), Gypsy, Alexanders Ragtime Band (anything with Alice Faye is great), Oklahoma, and all the titles already listed too.

I often bring home new musicals to share with my daughter. I so love the old musicals and don't want to see that genre die with my generation (not that I'm that old, mind you). Glad to hear that you are enjoying them.

[pagerbear]

37. How could I have forgotten Oklahoma?!

The quintessential American musical!!!!! I hope you rent a DVD with some background information. This was the first musical to really integrate music and dance with the plot. Previously songs were really more a pause to commetn on the plot, whereas with Oklahoma! (I keep wnating to type an "O" there!) they were incredibly integrated. Get both the movie version (you'll see Mrs. Partridge as a young girl) and the recent recording of the London production that subsequently went to Broadway (you'll see Hugh Jackman shirtless). Both are amazing.

[liontamer]

94. while oklahoma has awesome songs

the movie is just awful! I hated it, and I love almost all musicals,

[redqueen]

32. Did anyone else like Chess?

Remember One Night in Bangkok? What about I Know Him So Well?

[Misunderestimator]

35. I saw it the brief time it was on Broadway... I liked some of the songs

and the performers were pretty good (except one of the women who basically screeched)... but the whole thing just didn't hang together well for me.

[redqueen]

38. I never saw it

but bought the soundtrace for ONIB. Fell in love with some of the other songs and have kept it around ever since.

[Cheswick2.0]

47. I was addicted to Chess for awhile

There was one song that a lot of my friends used for auditions and they would get mad if someone got there first and sang it. It was called Someone else's story.
Once I finally saw it on stage in Miami they had rewritten the story because the cold war was over. They ruined the story as far as I was concerned.

[salvorhardin]

85. Chess is awesome!

My favorite version of it is the original concept album. The Broadway version was really terrible.

[Chovexani]

36. West Side Story is my favorite

It's a wonderful play with great music, but I also love it for sentimental reasons. I played Anybodys in a school production years ago, and one of the directors was Leonard Bernstein's son (he was a beloved theater teacher at my school). Before rehearsals he would read us letters his father wrote his mother when the show was first put on way back when. Leonard Bernstein himself even showed up to the last performance, signed all our programs and talked to us about his experiences with theater. For a budding theater geek it was absolute heaven. Unfortunately he died very shortly after that and our teacher Mr. Bernstein went to go run the foundation.

The movie version is also very good. It's my favorite musical film next to Gypsy. I love Rosalind Russell, what a broad!

[Misunderestimator]

39. Yes, West Side Story is a must see.

[pagerbear]

41. Also amazing

...visuals, music, choreography!

[Cheswick2.0]

51. Well now I am very jelous

I love Bernstein and have since we sang his Chichester Psalms in High school.
I have an attachment to "Somewhere" which I sang for state competition (in NY) and the Finale of Candided "Make our Garden Grow" which about 20 theater types sang at a friends memorial when he died of AIDS.

[Chovexani]

80. It was very cool.

He was a really sweet man, and really inspired us. It was actually because of that experience that I did more theater in school.

I really love "Somewhere" too, it's my favorite song in the show. It's just so beautiful and poignant, without being saccharine like so many songs in musicals. I choke up every time I hear it.

[CBHagman]

53. Oh, you'll LOVE "The Music Man."

Great bit of Americana, and of course it concerns a con man in small-town America. Just perfect for these days, if you know what I mean.

Be sure to get the Robert Preston-Shirley Jones version, even if a recent version (starring Matthew Broderick and Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth) was recently made for TV. Robert Preston created the role of con man Harold Hill. My stepmother saw both the stage and screen versions and said it was one of the rare occasions when the screen adaptation lived up to the stage production. The supporting cast, which includes Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, and a very young Ron Howard, is also great.

Also, be sure to watch "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Don't be put off by some of the sets and hokey language; the barn-raising dance number alone is worth the price of rental/cable. I could watch that dance number every day.

Others you must check out:

*Gigi (sort of "Pretty Woman" in reverse, set in turn-of-the-century Paris)

*Oklahoma! (Another great screen adaptation)

*Carousel (Wonderful, but remember it's essentially a tragic story)

*An American in Paris

*The Sound of Music

*Mary Poppins

*On the Town (Tip of the hat to old New York)

*Yankee Doodle Dandy

*Meet Me in St. Louis

And that's just for starters.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

81. WOW!

Long list, thanks!

[Misunderestimator]

56. "Evita" ... the one with Patti Lupone...

the Madonna movie was disappointing.

[LDS Jock]

61. Patti Lupone is THE Evita!

Elaine Paige isn't even in her league. Too bad they didn't make a movie of Evita back when she was young enough to play the part.

[Cheswick2.0]

62. Did you see the Tonys the year Patti Lapone sang DCFM Argentina?

I had never seen her or hear the music but I was electrified by her performance. After that I could never listen to Paige sing that role.

[LDS Jock]

67. Yes I've seen it on tape at someone's house

Other singers may have a larger range, some a more powerful voice, but Patti's voice just has an emotional quality which makes it so special.

[Misunderestimator]

76. I have the original cast recording of Lupone... No one compares.

She rocks!

[LDS Jock]

77. newsmeat says she donated to Kerry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew I loved her.

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?st=NY&last=lupone&first=patti

[Misunderestimator]

78. Doesn't surprise me, but very glad to know it!

:thumbsup:

[LDS Jock]

57. Into The Woods... Stephen Sondheim

is available also. Bernadette Peters as the witch and Joanna Gleason in her Tony winning role. Check it out.

[noamnety]

68. I've heard that was good.

I love the music from Sondheim's "Company."

[non sociopath skin]

92. There was also a video made of "Sunday In The Park With George" ..

.. which is also worth watching if it's around on DVD.

The Skin

[LDS Jock]

58. dupe

[LDS Jock]

60. OK you homosexuals.. what about "Funny Girl"?

Barbra Streisand. Don't Rain On My Parade. My Man. People. I'm The Greatest Star.

[noamnety]

65. 1776

in honor of the elections. :)

West Side Story, yes!

My daughter says to tell you Carousel is stupid. She's a big theatre person, and has been the mom in the Music Man, which I am mentioning because someone else said if you like that you'll like Carousel. But she is forbidding you to waste your time with it.

If anyone's seen A New Brain, I'm interested in your reactions. I sat through an audition workshop for it, to get info for someone, but I didn't see the show itself, just heard the CD.

[Cheswick2.0]

72. Tell you daughter she has probably seen the crappy version that

toured about 8 years ago.
I am suggesting the Movie version of Carousel because it has one of the great broadway baritones of all time doing the lead. But what do I know, I am only member of Equity and made my living in theater for years.
x( :7

[noamnety]

83. she says she saw the movie

and it wasn't the performances, it was the storyline, which was stupid.

But if you have any pull in the industry she will totally sell herself out and say it was great.

[Cheswick2.0]

90. No pull right now

Is she young? Does she have her equity card? I can only offer advice if she is interested.

[noamnety]

95. Thanks!

I was just joking though about her selling out, she was watching as I typed and having a good laugh. She's 17, done a lot of community theatre, even had a full-length musical produced actually with a grant from the NEA, but I don't think she wants to go into it professionally. And no equity card.

[LDS Jock]

70. Thought of another one for you... "Dreamgirls"

I don't know of any video recording, but the soundtrack is available with Jennifer Holliday in her Tony winning role. OMG can that girl sing! She must have the biggest voice ever.

[Pale Blue Dot]

71. West Side Story

It's a tremendous movie, filled with great dancing and great music, and the ending still packs a wallop.

[LanternWaste]

73. Here's a small list... with a few comments.

Not reading other replies in thread before making response, so forgive me if I repeat already made sugggestions... (also, I happen to like a lot of the Andrew Loyd Webber/Time Rice productions which will probably get slammed here...)

Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat...
This one is simply entertaining, funny and the majority of the songs are very melodic.

Cats...
Telling the concept of it to someone who's never seen it is like explaining color to a blind man. PBS has sold videotapes/dvd's of aired performances, so you may be able to find a copy retail.

Newsies...
A cheesy Disney musical that came out about ten years ago. The music is fun, the dancing is good and the kids are cute to watch. It's also kind of interesting to see NYC cityscape in very early 20th century

Chess...
A personal fav of mine. Lyrics by Time Webber and music by the two guys from Abba (don't let that color your opinion, the music and melodic themes are more complex than most contemporary stuff you'll hear anywhere else). A fictional story based loosely on the Karpov/Fisher chess matches in the early seventies.

Scrooge...
Musical retelling of the Dickens classic starring Albert Finney. Some GREAT songs that you'll end up humming to yourself regardless of the season.

Singin' in the Rain...
People think that Fred Astaire is the better dancer, but I disagree. Gene Kelley makes flawless choreography look easy. A classic for so many reasons.

American in Paris...
Gene Kelley again, this time backed by the wonderful scoring talent of George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Good stuff!

H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan...
The term musical wasn't invented yet-- these were known at the time as Penney-Opera's; that is, opera for the peasants. Really neat stuff from the late 19th century.

A Chorus Line...
A Chorus Line was not just another hit show. It spoke to and for a generation. For those who loved it, the theater was forever changed, and our lives forever enriched by it.

Babes in Arms and Babes on Broadway...
Some good, old-fashioned Hollywood musicals courtesy of MGM and Mickey Rooney. plot? Who needs plot? Just write a story that allows the kids to sing!

Holiday Inn and Bell's of St. Mary's.
Bing Crosby's two best movies (in my opinion) and you'll love his crooning!

High Society...
Bing Crosby again. A musical cover of the the earlier movie, Philadelphia Story. First time I saw, I couldn't believe the censor's allowed some of the double-entendre's and innuendo into the film.

That's all I can think of right now. I'm hungry and that makes my brain act out against me.

Have fun! Wish I could see Music Man with you just to see the reaction from a person who's never seen it!

On edit: West Side Story! Stupid me! See that one before you do ANYTHING else in your life! :)

[miss_kitty]

75. okay. i recommend

'Gypsy', w/ Rosalind Russell Karl Malden and Natalie Wood. and 'West Side story'. And 'South Pacific' with Mary Martin

but you are only getting musicals recommend you from 1950 on.

i suggest any Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers Film. Singing and dancing-yeah!
Golddiggers of 1938. and the granddaddy of them all-naughty bawdy gawdy '42nd Street' best corny storyline ever.

i also remembered a couple of 50's musicals-'An American in Paris' and if you like Grace Kelly and can stand Sinatra and Crosby 'High Society', a remake of the most excellent Katharine Hepburn vehicle, 'The Philadelphia Story....if you start a 'screwball comedy' thead, i'll try to catch it...

[miss_kitty]

79. Damn i forgot

the most awesomest musical so unbelievable gorgeous on DVD-'The Wizard of OZ.'

i rented that and watched it on my computer (flat screen) it was eye-popping...and no ads to mess it up...it's a treat. no matter how many times you've seen it on tv, it's-it's-awesome. comfort food in a movie.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

82. Um, wow

ya'll don't know much about musicals, do you? ;-)

Thanks so much to everyone for your recommendations. Rather than use all the printer paper, I've copied and pasted the titles to a word document and printed it off. Gonna cross them off as I see 'em. Wonder how long this will take? LOL!

[Chovexani]

84. Have fun!

I was raised a fag hag...so knowing musicals is a must! Especially when your friends make you sing for your drinks! :D

[TrogL]

87. How about something more current

I recently performed excerpts from Phantom of the Opera (on a huge pipe organ) and Les Miserables (on synths).

Next season I'm thinking about Rent.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

88. I don't see Show Boat listed...

I think it might be my fave.

Some other suggestions:
"Fiddler on the Roof"
"Hello Dolly"
"The Student Prince"

[Misunderestimator]

91. Showboat.... ah... Ole Man River... Fish Gotta Swim... Bill

[Baja Margie]

89. Wow, so many....

Best Little Whorehouse In Texas

Ain't Misbehavin'

City Of Angels

Did anyone mention South Pacific ?

You can go here for history and a synopsis:

http://www.musicals.net/

I Love Musicals !

[Bluebear]

96. Sweeney Todd, Pippin, Will Rogers Follies, Dreamgirls....