These Are My TOP EIGHT Broadway Musicals

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker shares their personal list of favorite Broadway musicals, offering insightful commentary on their themes, music, and lyrics. They discuss classics like *Sweeney Todd*, *West Side Story*, *1776*, and *South Pacific*, highlighting key songs and performances that define each musical. The speaker delves into the creative genius of legendary figures like Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein, offering both praise and critique. From the dark brilliance of *Sweeney Todd* to the poignant drama of *Fiddler on the Roof*, the video offers an in-depth look at the best of Broadway theater.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares their favorite Broadway musicals of all time, with a focus on the music and storytelling, not just the popularity of the works.
• 😀 'Sweeney Todd' by Stephen Sondheim is hailed as the best musical of all time for its brilliant lyrics, gripping plot, and impactful music, despite its dark themes.
• 😀 The speaker critiques Sondheim's later works, suggesting that his earlier pieces, like 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,' were more accessible and popular.
• 😀 'West Side Story' is recognized as a classic, with praise for the combination of Leonard Bernstein's music, Sondheim's lyrics, and Jerome Robbins' choreography.
• 😀 '1776' is another favorite, highlighting its musical exploration of the Declaration of Independence and debates on slavery, with a memorable anti-war number.
• 😀 'South Pacific' by Rodgers and Hammerstein is celebrated for its excellent music and integration of real-world issues, with 'There's Nothing Like a Dame' as a standout song.
• 😀 The speaker explains how Rodgers and Hammerstein revolutionized musical theater, starting with 'Oklahoma!' and continuing with 'South Pacific,' which focuses on war and love.
• 😀 'Carousel' is praised for its transformative number, 'Soliloquy,' where Billy Bigelow contemplates fatherhood and his future, marking a shift in musical theater's depth.
• 😀 'Gypsy' is lauded for its exceptional songs, especially 'Rose's Turn,' a powerful performance showcasing Mama Rose's desperation to achieve stardom.
• 😀 'Fiddler on the Roof' is acknowledged as a classic musical, with 'Far From the Home I Love' being highlighted as a deeply emotional and impactful number.
• 😀 'My Fair Lady' is admired for its witty numbers and great performances, with the speaker favoring 'I Could Have Danced All Night' as the musical's best number.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is the speaker's personal list of favorite Broadway musicals, along with commentary and insights on each of the selected musicals.

How does the speaker feel about Stephen Sondheim's early and later works?

The speaker feels that Stephen Sondheim's early works were more enjoyable, as they were less obscure and more appealing to a broader audience. He criticizes Sondheim's later works for becoming too sophisticated and difficult for general audiences to appreciate.

Which musical does the speaker consider the 'most brilliant of all time'?

The speaker considers 'Sweeney Todd' by Stephen Sondheim to be the most brilliant Broadway musical of all time.

What makes 'Sweeney Todd' stand out according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, 'Sweeney Todd' stands out due to its dark subject matter, clever lyrics, beautiful music, and gripping storytelling. The orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick are also highlighted as a key factor in its brilliance.

What is the speaker's opinion on 'West Side Story'?

The speaker praises 'West Side Story' as a classic of Broadway, emphasizing its brilliant music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and choreography by Jerome Robbins. The speaker prefers the original version of the musical over the Steven Spielberg remake.

What does the speaker think of the movie adaptation of '1776'?

The speaker appreciates the movie adaptation of '1776' but notes that a musical number called 'Cool Conservative' was cut from the film version, though it is still available in the Broadway production.

How does 'South Pacific' contribute to the evolution of Broadway musicals?

The speaker considers 'South Pacific' to be one of the best Broadway musicals ever, noting that it blends beautiful music with a portrayal of reality. The musical features humor and themes related to the challenges of wartime, making it a significant part of musical theater history.

What is the significance of the song 'Soliloquy' in 'Carousel'?

The speaker describes 'Soliloquy' from 'Carousel' as the best musical theater number of all time, highlighting its emotional depth and how it represents a transformative moment for the character of Billy Bigelow, who confronts his flaws and realizes the importance of fatherhood.

What is the theme of 'Gypsy' as described by the speaker?

The speaker explains that 'Gypsy' tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and her relationship with her stage mother, Mama Rose. The musical explores themes of ambition, family, and the pressures of fame, with strong performances and memorable songs.

Why does the speaker prefer Angela Lansbury's performance in 'Gypsy'?

The speaker prefers Angela Lansbury's performance in 'Gypsy' due to the emotional depth she brings to the character of Mama Rose, particularly in the iconic song 'Rose's Turn,' where Mama Rose finally expresses her long-suppressed frustrations and dreams.