Historically, Oklahoma was pretty darned important. It's often credited as the first major Broadway show where the songs were part of the dramatic action. Before that, many shows were straight plays with occasional interruptions for rather random song-and-dance routines. Oklahoma's story wouldn't work without the music and lyrics and dance.
My personal favorite? Into the Woods. It takes familiar fairy tales and makes them both funnier and more morally and dramatically complex. The first act is all about childhood and the second, age, so it speaks to a wide audience. The music is gorgeous, intricate, and hilarious, all at the same time.
Thanks for asking an interesting question--I'm curious to see everyone's opinions.
2007-02-07 11:20:07
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answer #1
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answered by waldy 4
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Les Miserables is one of my all time favorites! First off, it has a great story line that is easy enough to follow, but still complicated enough to be thought provoking. The songs are quite unforgettable - On my own, I dreamed a dream, etc - and will stay with you for years to come.
The Broadway version also tends to have magnificent set pieces, and the play as a whole moves along a pace similar to watching a movie vs. seeing a live production. It makes for a fun and fantastic time at the theater!!
2007-02-07 18:57:24
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answer #2
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answered by JamesW 3
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In terms of musical theatre history, there are a number of milestone musicals that excel in characters, plot, music, etc. Start with SHOWBOAT, which is still one of the greatest of all musicals. OKLAHOMA! was another groundbreaker, particularly for its innovative use of dance. WEST SIDE STORY took the musical into much darker territory, plotwise. COMPANY shattered and rebuilt the musical from the ground up. Almost all American Musical Theatre (except for the new wave of jukebox musicals, which hopefully will disappear soon) stem in part from those four colossi.
2007-02-07 23:42:54
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answer #3
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answered by Tony 5
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My personal favorite is RENT. It doesnt try to define teh counterculture but shows an example of what many uptight members of society call scum. it is a great play with amazing unique characters that really grow throught the film with beleivable stories. the score is outstanding and is so modern and relatable. it really defines the musical and has so much plot development entwined with the songs.
2007-02-07 20:16:09
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answer #4
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answered by defenderof thehumanright 3
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In my opinion.... OKLAHOMA! Is the best. Why? Because I am from there and it is a great place to live. The musical is wonderful and the characters are well developed.
2007-02-07 18:54:48
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answer #5
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answered by Karen 4
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I think it was Jesus Christ Superstar. It was the first rock opera with any teeth in it. Godspell was more fluff. JCS took on a complex topic and caused a lot of people to think about religeon in general
Plus...it REALLY ticked off those church freaks...heh heh
2007-02-07 18:56:51
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answer #6
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answered by phillyvic 4
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I fell in love with the Micado. Beautiful music and costume. Also funny.
2007-02-07 18:55:35
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answer #7
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answered by momof2 3
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I would have to say Phantom of the Opera!
The story is beautiful and the music is mesmerizing. (When you see it, you can't get it out of your mind!)
2007-02-08 01:55:19
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answer #8
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answered by HJ 4
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THE PRODUCERS becuase it got the most Tony Awards of all time and it is great fun to sing and watch!!!
2007-02-08 01:18:36
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answer #9
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answered by A. M. Ali 2
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Personally I think it was "Phantom of the Opera"...
2007-02-07 18:50:02
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answer #10
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answered by kymmy_kins 3
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