I've just watched the last 20 mins of Meredith Wilson's 'The Music Man' (which I also have on DVD and know very well), and have confirmed my opion that it's just about the best and most underrated musical ever produced.
So I got to thinking, what are everyone else's favourites (assuming you like the genre, of course)?
Les Miserables, Sound Of Music, Chicago, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Blood Brothers.
Shirley Jones was so young in The Music Man, wasn't she? It was another 8 years before she starred in The Partridge Family with her real-life stepson David Cassidy.
Have you seen the Music Man remake with Matthew Broderick? Worth seeing but few think it as good as the original.
My favourites tend to be by Sondheim: especially Sunday In The Park; Sweeney Todd; and Assassins. But also Kander & Ebb's The Rink, and little-known shows such as Nine and Personals.
No, I haven't, Quizmonkey. I'm trying to imagine Mr Broderick singing - and I can't. Who directed it?
They wanted to use Sinatra for the 1964 film, but Wilson (and I think Sinatra too) insisted Robert Preston be given first option, as he'd played the role on Broadway.
Sweeney Todd is my all-time favorite and Assassins is certainly among my top five. The only ALW piece that doesn't make me hurl Is Jesus Christ Superstar. I enjoy Cabaret, Chicago and Guys & Dolls, so my tastes run pretty mainstream.
I was lucky enough to see Broderick and Lane in "The Producers" on Broadway - it was a spectacular performance! Well worth the $97 (U.S.) per ticket, and I can't say that too often. The movie, unfortunately, sucked eggs frequently. I guess the true test of the musical's quality would be to see it again with unknowns as the leads. At some point. I'm in no rush.