I’m a musical theatre buff. This means that, among other things, I pride myself on my knowledge of many different styles of musicals from many different eras. However, I have a special affinity for older musicals, ones written by musical theatre giants like Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Bock and Harnick. This is probably not true for some of you musical theatre lovers of my age, so I thought I’d introduce some of them to you. Here is a list of some of my particular favorites.
1. Bridges of Madison County, by Jason Robert Brown
All of the rest of the musicals on my list could be considered classics, or are at least weren't written in the last two decades, but I had to put this one, which premiered on Broadway in 2014, on the list. First of all, it has the feel and sound of a classic musical. It's epic, timeless, and the music, while it doesn't feel dated, harkens back to an older tradition of Broadway songwriting. And let me tell you, this score is absolutely amazing, you guys. Americana, blues, jazz, opera, and European classical music are just some of the musical genres Brown worked into the musical, and it’s INCREDIBLE. Also, Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale were born to play these roles (Brown wrote the show for them, so I guess that’s not a surprise).
Favorite song: “Almost Real”
2. Fiddler on the Roof, by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick
This show, besides being my all-time favorite musical, holds a special place in my heart for multiple reasons. One is that, while I’m not an observant Jew, I am very strongly connected to my heritage, and this show tugs on my Jewish heartstrings big time. Another is that this was the first professional show that I was ever in, and being part of that production was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. And it’s also just pretty damn amazing. It’s one of the best examples of a show that blends comedy and tragedy seamlessly, and also makes the struggles of one people feel entirely universal.
Favorite song: “Chavela”
3. A Little Night Music, by Stephen Sondheim
This is my favorite Sondheim musical because it’s one of the sweetest, most innocent (but also not) shows I’ve ever seen, and the music is, as one would expect from Sondheim, pure genius.
Favorite song: “The Miller’s Son”
4. Oklahoma!, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein III
This was my gateway musical, the one I fell in love with first, and the one that led me to all the others. I have to confess that part of it was that the first version I saw had Hugh Jackman in it, and I developed a crush then and there, but the musical isn’t a classic for nothing.
Favorite song: “People Will Say We’re In Love”
5. Hair, by James Rado, Galt McDermott, and Gerome Ragni
This show is one of the reasons I am as vocal about politics and social justice as I am. All these years later, this show’s message of love, freedom and equality could not be more timely. It also doesn’t hurt that the 2009 Broadway revival (which is excellent) starred my all-time favorite male Broadway actor, Gavin Creel. My love for him is what introduced me to the show, but I stayed for its beauty, power and inspirational messages.
Favorite song: “The Flesh Failures/Let The Sun Shine In”
6. Les Misérables, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
After Oklahoma!, this was my second gateway musical. I got into this one when I first started getting really obsessed with musicals, and this was the perfect one to get me hooked. I mean, come on, it’s epic in every way!
Favorite song: “Stars”
7. Sweeney Todd, by Stephen Sondheim
This musical is one of those ones that I have a hard time explaining to people who’ve never heard of it before. I’m not going to spoil anything for you other than to say that it’s wacky, dark, strange, and wickedly funny, all at the same time.
Favorite song: “A Little Priest”
8. The Music Man, by Meredith Willson
This one makes me smile so much every time I think about it; true feel-good classic with a lot of heart and depth. And another one that is totally a classic for good reason. Also, one of the few musicals whose movie version is actually amazing. Robert Preston had charisma coming out of every pore, and Shirley Jones has the voice of an angel.
Favorite song: “Marian the Librarian”
9. Into The Woods, by Stephen Sondheim
Another one that was made into an excellent movie, this show also balances sadness and hilarity beautifully. The fairytales are jumbled up and augmented brilliantly, and this may be one of Sondheim’s best scores, which is definitely saying something.
Favorite song: “Moments in the Woods”
10. She Loves Me, by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick
I’m almost ashamed to admit that I didn’t know about this show until last year, when I found out that Gavin Creel would be starring in it alongside a cast that seemed too good to be true in a Broadway revival. I love “Fiddler”, and so I knew if the same guys wrote this one, it had to be brilliant. It is. It’s not grand, epic, sweeping, and there’s not really too much conflict or pain in it (when there is, though, boy is it intense); it’s thoroughly unambitious, but achieves exactly what ambitious shows sometimes don’t: it’s perfect. Every line, every motif, is just right. Some people have called it a “gem” of a show, and in my opinion, that’s entirely accurate.
Favorite song: “Dear Friend"
