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Today’s post is difficult for me to write for some reason. Some days are just like that. The words don’t flow, the ideas don’t come. I have to start writing and trust that it will go somewhere. Today the way I’m handling it is by posting about something I could excitedly discuss in my sleep – musical theatre.
Yep. Theatre geek here. Unapologetic.
I’ve never been to Broadway, but I would love to see a show there someday. In the meantime, I’ve listened to a LOT of albums, and seen many shows locally (very well done shows, I might add). I have always loved a good story, regardless of the medium. Of course, the magic of music makes a well-written musical that much more powerful than most other mediums. I have loved many different shows for different reasons. Lloyd Webber’s musicals are emotional and soaring. Sondheim’s musicals are sophisticated and intelligent. Stephen Schwartz’s writing is pure fun.
Shows I’ve seen:
- Les Miserables
- Miss Saigon
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2x)
- Cats
- Fiddler on the Roof (2x)
- Into the Woods
- Forever Plaid
- The Sound of Music
- Oklahoma
I may be forgetting some…if you went to a show with me and I didn’t mention it here, post it in the comments, would ya?
Some of my favorite cast albums (in a couple of cases my favorites are the film versions):
(This excellent version of the show is also available on DVD.)
(The Tony-winning lead in this musical spent her teen years in Fort Wayne.)
Top shows I hope to see someday, in order (if you want to buy me tickets, I’d like to help you prioritize. You’re welcome.):
- Company
- Beauty & the Beast
- Wicked
- Phantom of the Opera
- Aida
- Rent
Of course there are also many fantastic movie musicals, but this post could easily get entirely too long, so I’m not going to go into those. If you have a favorite, though, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
I’ll leave you with three of my favorite DVDs honoring Broadway in some fashion: one in honor of Sondheim (last I knew also available on Netflix), one in honor of Lloyd Webber, and one in honor of the entire Broadway experience.
Here’s a taste of the Company DVD I mentioned above. I hope you’re intrigued enough to check it out. If you’re near me, we can have a viewing party. Seriously.
You can find more performances I love on my YouTube playlist.