What is your idea of the quintessential American musical?

Question

Calling all you musical theatre fans!

From "Show Boat", the genesis of the American musical, to "Wicked" today, everyone has their own idea of what is the quintessential American musical.

(and despite "Contact", a musical is any show in which the score of the show is used to advance or illuminate the plot.)

For me, it is a toss-up between "Guys & Dolls" and "Gypsy."

So...the question is thus:

From Kern who invented it
To Rodgers & Hammerstein who perfected it
From Cole Porter who gave wit to it
To Moose Charlap, who got lit to it.
From Bernstein who contributed his sense of mod urbanity
To Sondheim's minor thirds which make you question your humanity.
From dear Jerry Herman whose works glorify it,
To mensch Sheldon Harnick whose shows "oy-ify" it!
From Lerner, to Loesser, to Schwartz, and to Strouse
What American musical's tops in your house?

Answer 1

Great question. For me, to be defined as the quintessential American musical, it should contain all the specific elements that go back to the roots of musical theatre: music (obviously), dance, comedy, romance--and then, on top of that, have a not just an American subject matter but have an OUTLOOK which (even if oversimplified) can be described as essentially American: optimistic, energetic, forward-looking, individualistic but still with a strong sense of community, ultimately upbeat and infectious while at the same time a little naive--a show that feels like it could ONLY be an American musical, and an American musical-COMEDY at that. And, one whose style and music and very world-view have become part of the culture, to the point where you feel like you know the show even if it's the first time you've ever seen it. Quintessential also doesn't mean Best, either--just....quintessential...

Not all Sondheim qualifies, nor indeed does all Bernstein; Rodgers & Hammerstein come closest in my view in terms of their overall body of work, and perhaps "Oklahoma" would top the list. For individual shows, though... "Guys & Dolls" and "Gypsy" are great choices--as is "Annie Get Your Gun". But may I suggest: "The Music Man" by Meredith Willson?

You're humming it right now, aren't you?

Answer 2

Gotta preface this by saying that I've never really been a Musical Comedy kind of guy. Perhaps that's because my OWN "singing" ability is nil.

That said...one of the first jobs I ever had as a High School kid was as an usher at the Shubert Theatre in Century City, CA (when it still existed!). I got to see Zero Mostel perform in "Fiddler on the Roof" for an entire month, and really came to appreciate what a lovely show it was...and what a whirlwind of an actor HE was!

I was still at the Shubert when "A Chorus Line" opened. Also fantastic.

But, for whatever reason, Sondheim's stuff makes the greatest impression on me, and my all-time favorite is "Sweeny Todd." Lordy. If someone would cast me in THAT role, I'd by-God LEARN to sing!

Answer 3

the two the Dem's' and re pubs' can infrequently agree on something even whilst they decide for the comparable situation. until you pass to c-span you will no longer see plenty coverage of one/3 social gathering applicants. super companies make extensive contributions to applicants they help,you're constrained in how plenty you could donate to a candidate in my opinion. companies set up committees and communities to assist and fund applicants. the main modern-day financial disaster regulations have been written via the banking marketplace for congress to make into regulation and it bit them interior the butt. the different subject is that some human beings vote for a million social gathering for all time,the two with the aid of fact they help that social gathering for all time and have confidence it is the only social gathering to do whats top,or they are upset with the different social gathering for some reason. the two events decide for it their way and could compromise some to get their way. If what I study on the cyber web final night is even a million/2 authentic,this election will possibly no longer matter besides. If we've yet another attack like 9/11 or a considerable disaster before the elections F.E.M.A . will take administration and George Bush will advance into the authentic ability of government. If it happens after the elections and before the recent president takes place of work,i don't be responsive to what's going to ensue. G.W. signed an govt order for the continuity of government and F.E.M.A. will take over and droop the form and the President often is the cohesion govt. Congress and the remarkable courtroom will nonetheless exist yet would have little or no voice,the President has the proper say in all concerns. there became additionally yet another internet site speaking appropriate to the formation of the North American Union (Canada,U.S. and Mexico forming a union like the E.U. and the U.S. shape would be long previous.

Answer 4

For me, I have to admit that "Oklahoma!" defines the American musical. Its' fusion of varied dance styles, dream sequences, and classic American character types really typifies America on the musical stage.

Although it is perhaps a little stale now, when "Oklahoma!" first hit the stage, it was quite revolutionary and changed the way Americans experience musical theatre. Instead of disconnected musical numbers, the audience was taken on a ride through a story complemented by song and dance.

This development has changed the face of musical theatre, seen in some of the biggest blockbusters of today, from "Into the Woods" to "Wicked." Without "Oklahoma," American musical theatre would, in my opinion be a much different beast.

Answer 5

eugh, i had to act in gypsy... i was a newsboy, cuz i'm short. T.T

*sigh* there are so many:
wicked
west side story
rent (though it's more of an opera)
sound of music
fiddler on the roof
singin' in the rain
hairspray
chicago
my fair lady
cinderella
hello, dolly!

i think that's it...

Answer 6

Hair

Answer 7

I absolutely HATE musicals.


I can't stand them...


I would rather eat hot greasy french fries at a fast food restaurant than sit through a musical.

Answer 8

O K L A H O M A. Oklahoma.

Answer 9

I would say "Oklahoma", "Show Boat" and "West Side Story" would be my picks.

Answer 10

Sondheim's "Into the Woods"

"...You're so nice. You're not good, you're not right, you're just nice..."