I love musical theater and I am fortunate enough to be
married to a man who enjoys it as much as I do.
In fact, on our very first date he took me to see Phantom of the Opera
at Boston’s famous Wang Center. Below I
have compiled a list of musicals we have seen, musicals I have wished I had the
chance to see and my “wish list” of musicals I wish I could have seen that I
was too young to see.
Phantom of the Opera
(x2): Was so nervous the first time we saw it because it was our first date,
but ‘Masquerade’ was the most magical thing I’d ever seen at that time.
Guys and Dolls:
One of my most favorite musical movies, sadly, was not all it could have been on
stage. Lorna Luft did not impress. Though the costumes were colorful they fought
with the garish backdrop. Though I sang along (as did others) with ‘Sit Down
You’re Rocking the Boat’ and enjoyed that all-too short song immensely.
Forever Plaid:
Fun, FUN, FUUUUNNN!!! If you ever have the chance – see it! Constantly looking
for it to come back. Audience participation – need I say more?
Miss Saigon:
Beautiful, tragic story. Awesomely amazing scene with the helicopter. But
sadly, after a few weeks I couldn’t remember any lyrics or hum any tune.
Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dream Coat: Loved it! Pharaoh as Elvis – what’s not to love?
Great story, great music, beautiful costumes and sets. And come on, who doesn’t
love a great Bible epic?
Wicked (x3):
Probably my most favorite I’ve ever seen. Loved it so much, we went back the next week with the kids. The songs are all so great and catchy
and stay with you. The sets are amazing and we all grew up with these
characters, so how can we not relate? Admit it, if you’ve seen it, you went
around humming “Popular” after :) We went back again when it came to Boston last summer! Love, love, love!
Julia and Aidan outside the Boston Opera House for Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins: I
hate to say it, because I am a big Disney fan, but I thought this was awful. I
couldn’t understand anything that was being said or sang. If I didn’t know the
story I’d have had no idea what was going on.
And the scene with all the toys? What was that doing there? ‘Step in Time’ was great of course, but we
all know and love that song. And we were fortunate that Mary flew right over
our children’s heads. They enjoyed it so I guess that’s all that matters.
Beauty and the Beast:
Couldn’t be more opposite of Mary Poppins. Fabulous in every aspect! Costumes,
sets, staging and, of course, songs. Highly entertaining for children and adults. We left there wishing we could see it again.
Evita: Had the
good fortune of seeing this on Broadway, 2nd row center with Ricky
Martin as Che. The lead was played by an Argentine actress who, unfortunately,
was very difficult to understand.
Luckily, we’ve watched the movie so often we knew all the songs by
heart. Though I will admit, she had
wonderful energy, style and presence. Martin
was superb! A very thrilling performance.
Midnight Catechism:
Ok – not a musical – but I wanted to mention it. If you ever have the chance –
the performance depends on audience participation and it is a riot! Do not
miss!
Missed and wish I’d
Seen –
Hairspray: Will
forever lament I wasn’t able to see this on stage. I have loved it since the
original John Waters’ film. Love the
story, love the songs. Hopefully it will
revive someday soon.
Chicago: Just
couldn’t afford to go (why do they have to make it so prohibitive?). Really
want to see this on stage.
Million Dollar
Quartet: Sadly, don’t remember it coming to Boston
Man of LaMancha:
Dan actually saw it but we weren’t dating at the time. Darn! Raul Julia was
reportedly amazing!
Into the Woods:
So clever and funny! At least we can watch a film version of the stage play.
Was Too Young to See
and wish I’d Seen –
Camelot: With
Richard Harris – I’m sure a lot of people wish they’d seen this. I love the
movie, love the music and love Harris in the role.
The King and I:
What lover of musicals doesn’t wish they could have seen Yul Bryner on stage in
his signature role? Even now, at 45, this movie still thrills me when I watch
it. How I would have loved to have seen him in person as the charismatic King.