What are some of the best musicals to watch for beginners in the genre?

Question

The only musicals I've seen thus far are 'West Side Story' and 'Dreamgirls' (2006 version)?

Answer 1

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. It's got a little story, two great dance numbers and some decent music.

Answer 2

Are you studying this from a historical or a production perspective?

In any case, you must catch up with Rodgers and Hammerstein: South Pacific, the King and I, Oklahoma!, Sound of Music, and maybe Flower Drum Song. For earlier historical perspective, Showboat is rather important, as is Carousel. I might add Guys and Dolls, but the film version of that one mis-cast Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson and it was painful to watch.

More recently, the big figures in musical theatre are Stephen Sondheim (you already have West Side Story; he also gets A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd), Hirson and Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, 110 Degrees in the Shade), Rice/Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita) and also The Fantasticks and A Chorus Line.

For the Brit contribution, Oliver.

Now, if you're interested in stage production, you should try to find videos of the stage shows. There are fairly good ones for Pippin (a 1982 Canadian revival including Ben Vereen reprising his signature role) and Sweeney Todd (Original Broadway cast; Angela Landsbury actually animated as the pie lady), I can't think of any others at present.

I'm sure someone will point out that I've omitted Chicago, Rent, the two hit Antony Newley shows (Stop the World I Want to Get Off and The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd), Starlight Express, the Lion King, and Dames at Sea. Oh well, can't think of everything...

Answer 3

Remember that movie versions are usually slightly different than the stage versions.


I reccomend:


An American in Paris
Singin' in the Rain
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Mary Poppins
Meet Me in St. Louis
My Fair Lady
Cover Girl
Hairspray (the one that just came out, not the original...the original is not a musical)
Cinderella
Into the Woods
The Sound of Music
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chicago (not suitable for kids under like fourteen...ps- the stage version is horrible...the musical is the best)
The Producers (there's two versions, the newest one came out just a couple of years ago starring Will Ferrell, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, and Uma Thurman.....so funny!!!! also, not a good choice for anyyone under 14.)

Answer 4

Chicago.

P.S. Mary Poppins.

Pss Two of the best films of all time: the Sound of Music, A Chorus Line. Some films with great music: O Brother Where Art Thou, Apocalypse Now, All that Jazz

Answer 5

"Into The Woods" on DVD (by Stephen Sondheim) is actually a recording of the Broadway production, so you'll get the best of live theatre in your living room. It's a really clever show, with lots of laughs, and the music is intricate and challenging. Enjoy!

Answer 6

Fiddler on the Roof and Funny Girl and let's not forget Grease and Fame all four are required watching for anyone interested in American musicals!

Answer 7

Into the Woods, like others have said, is an amazing show. http://www.amazon.com/Into-Woods-Bernadette-Peters/dp/B00001PE59/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198112489&sr=8-1

So is Sweeney Todd. {I would recommend this http://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-Demon-Barber-Street/dp/B00005JL6V/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198112560&sr=1-1 instead of the new Johnny Depp one, but that's just me.}

The Phantom of the Opera is also a very good musical, but the movie version doesn't have the greatest singers. http://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Opera-Full-Screen/dp/B0007TKNIS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198112621&sr=1-1

You could also go to here http://www.amazon.com/Musicals-Performing-Arts-DVD/b/ref=amb_link_10?ie=UTF8&node=163428&pf_rd_p=236777701&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=508528&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CFP9B2D9SH2VEPV2RAG and here http://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Musicals-Performing-Arts-DVD/b/ref=amb_link_4?ie=UTF8&node=554052&pf_rd_p=236777701&pf_rd_s=browse&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=508528&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1CFP9B2D9SH2VEPV2RAG and find some that look interesting to you.

Answer 8

the king and I...it's awesome!