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Musicals!! Because I
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Musicals!! Because I
Musicals!! Because I need them. Let's see. Where to start? I have been slowly taking over my iPod (full of everything from classical to the Beatles) with musicals. And this is mostly because of you guys. You see, long ago when I first started reading the CB (a year or two ago) I saw many rants about musicals. So I became interested. And last August when I saw Wicked, it was like a barricade was broken and I became an open lover of Broadway. I have since only seen Phantom of the Opera and I will be seeing Billy Elliot on Broadway this February (after singing at Carnegie Hall with my school choir, but that's quite another story). But when I see anyone mention lovingly another musical, I have to listen to the whole thing on YouTube a few times over and then buy it.
So, my question to you is... What are your favorite musicals? What should I buy? Which version should I buy? I've been listening to Gypsy a lot (probably going to buy that very soon, probably with Ethel Merman, but I'm not positive), trying to listen to Sunday in the Park with George, but can't find ANYTHING on YouTube, which is bugging me, listened to Anyone Can Whistle, and Aida. I currently have Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and The Little Mermaid on my iPod, which is not enough. I need more. (Which is why I'm posting this obviously.) I LOVE Terrence Mann (look him up if you don't know who he is). I also like Bernadette Peters, Angela Lansbury, Sherie Rene Scott (<-- gotta love her Ursula), etc. And I love Alan Menkin and Stephen Sondheim, by the way.
So, what am I missing? What should I see? (Oh, I forgot, I've seen parts of Into the Woods as well.) What do you love? (Admin, you too if you want. Any and all comments appreciated.)
Can't wait to hear from all you musical lovers!
~Leaf
Leaf, I really like West Side Story and Chicago the musical (the Cricket office is actually very close to the Chicago Theater). The West Side Story lyrics are written by Stephen Sondheim (his Broadway debut), so it seems right up your alley. My favorite recording of Chicago is actually the soundtrack from the movie, with Rene Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
submitted by Leaf ♪☮♥, age 13, on a tree!
(December 20, 2010 - 10:08 am)
(December 20, 2010 - 10:08 am)
Thanks a bunch, Admin! Unfortunately, West Side Story is playing where I live, but by the time I get back home (I'm actually across the country right now), it'll be done playing. :( And I've always wanted to see it, too, which is a bit disappointing. But I'll be sure to check out the soundtrack. My iPod thanks you.
~Leaf
You're welcome. I'm sure West Side Story is available on film, too.
Admin
(December 20, 2010 - 5:35 pm)
WSS is available on film. Yes, I have it on DVD and VHS ((VHS FTW, by the way)). It's quite good, though not one of my favourites (I never have been a fan of Romeo and Juliet).
@R~D~: Catherine Zeta-Jones was in a revival A Little Night Music recently, with Angela Lansbury I believe. ((And was then replaced by Bernadette Peters [who is like 20 years older, it is the little things that amuse me so] /off topic)). Anyway. I haven't had a chance to listen to much more than thirty-second snippets on Amazon (grr being broke grr), but it seemed pretty good.
Also, the main college I am looking at (Whitman) is doing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee towards spring; they sent me their theatre schedule because I have "expressed interest" in their theatre major.
Also also, Into the Woods is amazing. Especially Bernadette Peters *is predictable and obsessed*
(December 22, 2010 - 3:37 pm)
@TNO: County. That's what I missed. I knew the title looked a little too short... :D My sister saw Into the Woods and became obsessed also. :) She always complains about the ending though. A Little Night Musical does sound pretty good. ;)
(December 24, 2010 - 11:52 am)
I actually really like the ending of Into the Woods. I mean, it's really really sad, but I love the way the *real* consequences of fairy tales and/or wishing are handled. Also, because I'm a fan of ambiguity, I also rather like the fact that it's left uncertain whether some of the characters died (the Witch in particular, also the people who ran away (though they are heavily implied to have starved to death)) rather than just stating it out right. /rant
(December 24, 2010 - 2:03 pm)
Top perhaps? Please?
(December 20, 2010 - 5:38 pm)
@Admin: I love Catherine Zeta-Jones! :)
*runs over to sister's iPod* My sister keeps all the theater songs on her iPod, but I'll admit I like some of them. A list.
Anastasia has decent music.
The movie, Enchanted has funny music.
If you like Grease, which most I know don't, the music's all right.
Hairspray, o'course.
Hercules! Good stuff.
In the Heights. A new musical my sister became obsessed with. I don't really know what it is though.
Into the Woods
OOOH The Lion King. I don't know her name, but in Can You Feel the Love Tonight, the girl lion (okay, sorry, I haven't seen Lion King in a while) has SUCH a unique voice!!
Little Women
Mama Mia.... is okay.
The Music Man is fun!
If you saw The Princess and the Frog, it has wonderful music, if you like that kinda stuff.
The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. I've never seen, just heard some of the songs and they're not bad.
Well, there you go. My sister is a *tad* bit into musicals, too. :D
ROBYN~D~
(December 20, 2010 - 8:08 pm)
GO. TO. THE. TOP. NOW.
(December 21, 2010 - 3:22 pm)
Ooooh, I 've heard of Into the Woods. Never seen a musical in my life, tho...
Inya says izfc.
(December 23, 2010 - 6:37 pm)
You get to see Billy Elliot? *is waaay jealous* If I got the chance to see anything I wanted on Broadway, I would pick Billy Elliot! From what I've gotten off Youtube and iTunes, it looks amazing. And it has a great storyline, and everything else I would look for in a musical. I'm pretty much as obsessed as I can be without having actually seen it on Broadway in person. Sorry sorry. I should not vent my obsession on you.
Anyway, recommendations. Well, from what I've heard of Mary Poppins, it's quite good; so is Annie. My sister recommends Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, especially Any Dream Will Do. I have not listened to this yet personally. And Billy Elliot of course. I am also a fan of both The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, though it looks like you have The Little Mermaid already.
And congratulations on getting to sing at Carnegie Hall! Please tell us the story (an abbreviated version is fine)!
(December 21, 2010 - 6:24 pm)
First: Re: Gypsy In addition to Ethel Merman, you NEED both Patti Lupone (2008) and Bernadette Peters (2003). Both are incredibly fabulous and wonderful and terrifying, which is just as it should be. *coughbutBernadetteisthebestcough*
Second: EEEEE BERNADETTE PETERS EEEEE I get to see her in Follies (with Elaine Paige as well!!) in June! EEEEEEEE! /squeefest
Third: Sunday is a beautiful, beautiful piece, even if the ending is... confusing.
Fourth: Suggestions. I LOVE POSTS LIKE THESE, I GET TO INDOCTRINATE PEOPLE WITH MY MUSIC. Hang on, let me get my iPhone.
Annie. Obviously. I have both movie soundtracks and the OBCR, if I had to pick just one I'd go with the 1999 OST, because A) Victor Garber and B) Audra McDonald. Not even Alan Cumming can beat Tim Curry's Rooster and NO ONE can top Carol Burnett's Miss Hannigan though, so it is worth getting the villain songs (Little Girls and Easy Street) from the 1982 OST.
Annie Get Your Gun, the 1999 revival with Bernadette Peters. BECAUSE IT'S AWESOME.
Anyone Can Whistle, the 1995 concert cast (yes, yes, with Bernadette Peters, I know I'm a little obsessed with her voice STOP JUDGING ME). NOT just because of BP, though, the entire cast was amazing. ((I know you mentioned this one, but you seriously should look up the concert cast if you haven't already))
Assassins, the 2004 revival cast with Neil Patrick Harris. It's Sondheim, and the premise is that it examines the lives of people who have or have tried to kill presidents of the United States, beginning with John Wilkes Booth and ending with Lee Harvey Oswald. The Ballads (Booth, Czolgosz, and Gueteau) are especially wonderful.
Cats, even though the OBCR isn't worth a single listen the 1998 (I think that's the year, anyway) movie is SO. EPIC. The entire cast is *perfectly* wonderful.
Company, the OBCR. Because while I did adore Raul Esparza in the 2006 revival the overall quality is better in the original recording, because the OBCR has a full orchestra.
Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. Admittedly not a Broadway production and only 45 minutes long but, hey, Joss Whedon, and NPH sings in it. WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?!
Everyday Rapture. Sherie Rene Scott. Nuff said, y/y?
Follies, OLCR. It's long, and confusing to listen to, and is one of the few Sondheim plays that I would agree with the "acquired taste" argument, but still. Also, OMG I GET TO SEE THIS WITH BERNADETTE PETERS AND ELAINE PAIGE. *squees forever*
Forbidden Broadway. Because it's irreverent and funny. If you don't like your shows to be poked at, though, don't listen. Nothing is sacred.
The Frogs, the 2005 recording with Roger Bart, not the studio recording. Based on a classic play, allegedly set in "present day ancient Greece", absurdly catchy music and Nathan Lane. Win.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Personally I prefer the 1996 revival with Nathan Lane, but the OBCR is good too. I believe this was Sondheim's first time writing both music and lyrics, actually.
Guys and Dolls, particularly the 1992 revival cast with Nathan Lane and Faith Prince. Worth getting just for FP's Adelaide's Lament
Into the Woods, the OBCR. Don't get the revival; Vanessa Williams ruined it. Everything about this play is wonderful.
The Last 5 Years, the OOBCR. Depressing? YES. But it's got Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz and NO ONE ELSE and this makes it wonderful.
Les Miserables, if you can get the OBCR and the OLCR and the 2004 concert cast. If you can only get one, get the concert cast.
Mack & Mabel, the OBCR. ((Which was a flop)) but not because of the music, which is wonderful. Also you can't go wrong with Robert Preston. ((Anyway, Anyone Can Whistle closed after nine (nine!!) performances, so you know floppage is not a good indicator of quality))
Mary Poppins, the OBCR. EEE GAVIN LEE EEE! Anything Can Happen is the most epic incredible Tastes Like Diabetes song there is. Seriously.
The Music Man, my preference for recordings goes as follows: OBCR, 1962 OST, 2003 OST, with the OBCR being barely better than the 1962 OST mainly because the OST does not have My White Knight WHY? I DON'T KNOW. :\
The Producers, with the OBCR and the OST being about equal by benefit of having virtually the same cast. Except for Will Ferrell in the OST (who knew he could sing in a German accent? NOT ME.) However, Springtime for Hitler WILL get stuck in your head, and it's not a good song to sing in public. Be warned.
Not a musical, but BP's Sondheim Albums (ie Sondheim, Etc. and Sondheim, Etc., Etc.: The Rest of It) are a concert she did involving a wide range of songs (mostly Sondheim, as the title suggests) which are brilliant. Worth getting *just* for her rendition of Hello, Little Girl from Into the Woods which is CREEPY on all levels, but awesome at the same time. Also, she sings We're in the Money in pig latin.
Singin' in the Rain, which I just recently got in trouble for watching alone because it's mom's favourite (tied with Oklahoma) and she wanted to watch it with me *oops*. Regardless, it's funny and you should watch/listen to it.
Song & Dance, Andrew Lloyd Webber, one woman show, BERNADETTE PETERS EEE. May take a little getting used to, though.
Spamalot. It's Monty Python and Tim Curry is actually a good guy in it *shock* so yeah.
Sunday in the Park With George some of the songs are sadness personified (or... something...) but it's so beautiful! Also, Mandy Patinkin's range. That is all. ((yes, yes, I know you mentioned this one too but it's one of my favourites so I'm including it))
Sweeney Todd, OBCR>2005 revival cast>>2007 OST. Yeah.
[title of show], because it's awesome. Also, Heidi Blickenstaff as herself. Recursively as herself (ie she played herself playing herself playing herself, in a musical about writing a musical about writing a musical about writing a musical and I think that's the write number but I'm not sure. It's really best not to think about this too much.) There is, however, a fair amount of swearing, so bear that in mind.
A Very Potter Musical and A Very Potter Sequel. Because they prove you don't have to make money to make something incredible.
I'm probably missing a lot. I may go through my collection of movies (VHS FTW) and find some more that you ABSOLUTELY MUST LOOK UP GO NOW.
Speaking of Singin' in the Rain . . . has anybuggy seen figure skater Kurt Browning do that famous dance number on ice? It's absolutely fantastic, pretty much matches Gene Kelly step for step. I think you can find it on YouTube.
CS Admin (the big figure skating fan)
(December 22, 2010 - 3:23 pm)
@TNÖ: Thank you ever so much. I will look into all of these eventually... :) But now I have a list to go by. Last Christmas, I got a bunch of iTunes gift cards, which are sadly almost gone. However, I just did a Secret Santa at my school and got another one!!! Squee!!! So now I have $24.76 on my account to go and buy stuff. Admittedly, it isn't enough for everything I want, BUT it's a start. And I don't have to worry about spending it all on Beatles because I know I'm getting more albums of theirs for Christmas. Yay! I'm also soooooooo elated that they're now on iTunes, not that I'll buy their stuff or anything (cause I like the real, physical CD with the pictures and all...). /is rambling about the Beatles and should get back on topic
Anyway...I wish I had an endless amount of iTunes gift cards so I could buy everything everybody mentioned. NOW. But alas, money doesn't grow on trees, so I'm stuck with 24.76 and parent begging. Though they did mention that they'd buy an album for me if I cleaned some room in our house, so I'll definitely be doing some cleaning when I get home. *evil smile*
*tries to get back on topic* You see, I was going to comment on all the musicals you mentioned, but now I realize that would take me... a while, so I will refrain. I have seen a few that you mentioned (eg: AVPM/S, Dr. Horrible, Annie, etc.) but many are new, so I CANNOT WAIT to look them up.
@Admin: Yes, I love Singin' in the Rain AND Kurt Browning's number! I practically grew up with the movie. :) And I used to figure skate myself, so of course I love that number on ice! (And anyway, who doesn't love Gene Kelly?)
Again, I will be checking out all the musicals recommended by everyone here! Mucho appreciation!
~Leaf
Oh . . . I'm so happy that someone else has seen Kurt do that number on skates! Kurt is Kool!
CS Admin
(December 24, 2010 - 10:14 am)
*facepalm*
I forgot A Little Night Music... somehow. D: Even though I mentioned it in a different comment. *fail* Get the OBCR, it has a fuller orchestra.
Yeah.
(December 29, 2010 - 12:10 pm)
i like the songs from fiddler on the roof. it's a very sad story, but the songs are great. though it could be that i like them 'cause they're easy to play on the clarinet, which i play. but the songs are still great. i actually knew some of the songs before i watched it, though i'm not entirely sure why. things like this happen to me alot.
(December 23, 2010 - 12:37 pm)
You play clarinet? Can you give me a few tips on it in my thread? It's link thing that says `Calling all Fetch' on Pudding's Place. Or you can just go to this link (Admins, this is just a link to another thread, not a weird site): http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/puddingsplace/node/79388
@ANALESIA@
(December 23, 2010 - 4:59 pm)
If you want good musical music, I would suggest classic Disney songs. They're not Broadway, but boy they're catchy. And many of them are on Broadway, except with different songs. There are Disney's Greatest CDs, Volumes 1, 2, and 3 that I love listnening to. Those have some good music. Some of them are more modern songs, though, like I'll Try from Peter Pan II and When Somebody Loved Me from Toy Story II (which I <3).
@ANALESIA@
(December 23, 2010 - 5:06 pm)