i know this was much earlier in the message board but i totally disagree with 'ljay889'
RENT, in my thoughts was different from any other musical, i mean sure after RENT...there was more like it but not as good. To combined a message like it did and the rock-opera music makes it definatly in the top TEN. No doubt.Of course it wasn't your 'tipical' broadway show. But it was definatly loved. I'm not saying that you hated it or anything, i just greatly disagree with you about it not being in the top ten.
melissa errico fan writes "I actually adore THE ACT. "The Money Tree" is one of my favorite showtunes.."
Not sure if you saw the show or just have heard the cast album. I saw it the week it opened, and even at that young age (17) I could tell this was not a show that would survive without its particular star. "City Lights" is usually the song they trot out in Kander & Ebb restrospectives to represent THE ACT. But again none of the songs are plot driven. Funny thing: teh CD has been widely bootlegged in Europe. I found a copy called HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU and it has the whole song program from TEH ACT in order (taken from the OCR) but no where on teh package does it indicate its a cast album. They promote it like a Liza Minnelli disc.
As for lists, if you want to list THE ACT as one of your top ten favourites, go ahead. But if you claim it's one of the "top ten musicals ever" I would have to strongly disagree!
AS I said to Elaine Stritch once, "I'm just a theatre reviewer." And she said "What do you mean JUST a theatre reviewer??? I think you have picked a very fine profession..."
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks." Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Ragtime Miss Saigon Les Misérables Gypsy West Side Story Sweeney Todd Into The Woods Jesus Christ Superstar A Chorus Line Parade
"Ragtime" is definately my favorite, though the rest are not in any particular order. Heck knowing me I have had a complete blank and forgotten one (it isn't like I keep a top ten list around for occassions like this).
This is such a subjective issue. That's what art is all about. Sondheim shows are, generally, difficult for the general public to appreciate. I did a production of A Little Night Music and felt, as an actor, that I grew every night and discovered so many layers as the process went along. Many people go to the theatre to be transported to another world. Wicked does that, but isn't necessarily groundbreaking. However, it is entertaining and if that's what you are going for, MANY shows can fit the bill. If you are looking to leave the theatre pondering the meaning of life, then usually you have to pick a completely different type of show. There are very few shows that fit both bills.
Show Boat (1927) Oklahoma (1943) Carousel (1945) Kiss Me Kate (1947 Of Thee I Sing (1931) Sally (1920) Girl Crazy (1930) West Side Story (1957) Porgy and Bess (1935) On the Town (1944)
~And let us try, before we die, to make some sense of life~
This is my much contemplated list, we had this convo at dinner once for about two hours lol
1) West Side Story -one of the first ones i ever saw, and absolute sondheim/bernstein creative genious. the music/story drives me to tears
2) Les Miserables -overdone to death, and people hate it, but it will always stay a profound piece of art in my mind
3) Fiddler on the Roof -one of those musicals you cant help but fall in love with, i've always wanted to play Hodel
4) Into the Woods -gah! i love this show so much lately. The lyrics are genious and the symbolism is thought-provoking.
5) Man of La Mancha- I was just introduced to this show about a year ago and fell in love with the revival soundtrack. the whole story and the idea that we should "live with your heart striving upward, to a a far unnattainable sky" really is special to me
6) Rent- Say whatever you want, but i adore this show. Jonathon Larson is my hero.
7) Jesus Christ Superstar- this soundtrack is awesome to me, certain musical themes, like the guitar right before judas's death, will replay in my mind forever
8 Aida- I've actually never seen this show, but I listen to the soundtrack oh so much. I had to add this one because some of my fave bway songs of all time are on it, "Elaborate Lives", "The Gods Love Nubia", etc.
9) Phantom of the Opera- again, say what you want! this is still a beautiful, well written show
10) The Wild Party- a recent discovery after my sister played Kate in her college musical. this is a great show, and andrew lippa is almost on par with sondheim to me
close runners up: Miss Saigon, She Loves Me, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, Wicked, Camelot
lol i know i have weird tastes in musicals. Sondheim AND Webber..i mean whats that about?? lol
"No two shows are alike in the making. Each show is a living
piece of your life in a small unreal world with its own character
and integrity; its own new set of memorable experiences and
incredible happenings. You begin to love and adapt to its strangeness.
Dreams harden into substance. Values come into focus. You wish
it would never end. The dream world vanishes like mist before a
rising sun; part of you vanishes with it. And back you land in the
real world with a thud- fogged, uneasy, jittery, difficult to get
along with. There is only one cure. A new show. A new, small
unreal world; new visions, experiences, incredible happenings.
Again you love it, adapt to it, wish it would never end.
But end it does. Another part of you vanishes.
That's show business."-Anonymous
These are mine in order 1. WICKED 2. AIDA 3. RENT 4. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 5. LES MISERABLES 6. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 7. GYPSY 8. HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING 9. PIPPIN 10. THE PRODUCERS
"There will always be women in rubber flirting with me"
~Maureen, RENT