Broadway Bound

BROADWAY BOUND

Yes, I’m man enough to admit it-- I’m a Broadway fan! With songs far more finely carfted, lyrics much more poetic and touching, and performances better than almost any of the big-budget blockbusters opening in summer, I’d rather see a musical than, say, "The Lost World" any day. Here’s a list of some of my favorites, and whatever links and extras I’ve been able to find.

There’s nothing negative I can possibly say about this show except that I’ve only seen it once! The music is magnificent, as are the lyrics. The staging, sets and costumes are beautiful. I’d love it even if the main character wasn’t named "Erik." I really enjoy the overllaping, try-and-follow-this lyrical arrangement of the "Notes" scenes, but my favorite will always be the epic-scaled "Music of the Night." I’m still trying to hang on to that last note as long as Michael Crawford-- and failing. Oh, well. The logo above goes to the offical "Phantom" site. Here’s the libretto.

Coming in at number two by just a hair under "Phantom." How can you go to this show and not immediately feel for every one of the characters, all so tragically human? I’ve got to add that the *live gunfire* scared the wits out of me! From the bawdy humor of "Lovely Ladies" to the touching lament of "Bring Him Home," all the songs are great. But my favorite is the short, sad "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." Again, click on the logo to find the official site, and get the libretto here.

Just a bit under those two is the powerful modern rock opera by the late Jonathan Larson. The songs are great musical music, but also instantly catchy. The story is engrossing and real, as are the characters. Almost impossible to pick a favorite song-- they’re all incredible, but for sheer soul-stirring lyrics and melody, it doesn’t get any better than "Seasons of Love." Unless you go for something raucous, fun and rebellious, like "La Vie Boheme." Click the logo to find the official site, and here’s the libretto.

Miss Saigon. Lea Salonga is pretty much universally worshipped by Filipinos, and having seen her in this, the role that made her a star, I can understand. Set against the backdrop of a world that seems to have gone completely mad, two unlikely people find a love stronger than a war. How could I possibly not like this, huh? There's lots of great songs, but I'm a sucker for the sweet, mournful jazz of "The Last Night of the World." Again, Yahoo links and the full libretto.

Oh, what an incredible show. These guys Kander & Ebb have written some of the absolute most stunning stuff on stage. I certainly count myself lucky, having seen so many great people in the production: orginal cast members Bebe Neuwirth, D. Sabella, and JOEL GREY (!!), along with the awsome Hinton Battle. Between the catchy, edgy songs and the stark black-on-black staging, it's an absolute scream to see (and yeah, the half-naked women dancing on stage help, too). Now "All That Jazz" is an amazing number to watch, but for a fun song to sing, it's gotta be "Razzle Dazzle" for me. I've only got a four-song libretto at the moment.

Kander and Ebb do it again. Now I know why this show has been the hottest ticket in New York since Rent. It's without a doubt one of the finest nights at the theater I have ever had. For those who don't know, the theater (the former infamous Studio 54) is set up half as a cabaret, with tables, drinks, etc. This would be worth a go just for the smoky, red-lit atmosphere, but it's the show and the performances that make it truly great. Alan Cumming as the Emcee deserves every single accolade that's been heaped on him, and Michelle Pawk gave a great show as Fraulein Kost. This is an edgy, provocative and definitely adult production, that's as steamy and sensual as it is disturbing and thought-provoking.

Other shows I’ve seen and loved:

SHOW BOAT
GREASE!
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
WEST SIDE STORY (Four songs)
THE KING AND I (Libretto)

And one's I haven't seen (on stage), but love the music:

STEEL PIER (unfortunately gone)
GUYS AND DOLLS
SMOKY JOE'S CAFE
JEKYLL & HYDE
A CHORUS LINE
INTO THE WOODS (Libretto)
PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Libretto)
EVITA (Libretto)
MY FAIR LADY (Libretto)
GODSPELL (Libretto)

I also recently saw my first Broadway play, the hilarious and heartfelt THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO. I'd never have imagined that my family and I would enjoy a play about Southern Jews, but we loved it!

	There’s nothing negative I can possibly say about this show except that I’ve only seen it once! The music is magnificent, as are the lyrics. The staging, sets and costumes are beautiful. I’d love it even if the main character wasn’t named "Erik." I really enjoy the overllaping, try-and-follow-this lyrical arrangement of the "Notes" scenes, but my favorite will always be the epic-scaled "Music of the Night." I’m still trying to hang on to that last note as long as Michael Crawford-- and failing. Oh, well. The logo above goes to the offical "Phantom" site. Here’s the libretto.
	Coming in at number two by just a hair under "Phantom." How can you go to this show and not immediately feel for every one of the characters, all so tragically human? I’ve got to add that the live gunfire scared the wits out of me! From the bawdy humor of "Lovely Ladies" to the touching lament of "Bring Him Home," all the songs are great. But my favorite is the short, sad "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." Again, click on the logo to find the official site, and get the libretto here.
	Just a bit under those two is the powerful modern rock opera by the late Jonathan Larson. The songs are great musical music, but also instantly catchy. The story is engrossing and real, as are the characters. Almost impossible to pick a favorite song-- they’re all incredible, but for sheer soul-stirring lyrics and melody, it doesn’t get any better than "Seasons of Love." Unless you go for something raucous, fun and rebellious, like "La Vie Boheme." Click the logo to find the official site, and here’s the libretto.
	Miss Saigon. Lea Salonga is pretty much universally worshipped by Filipinos, and having seen her in this, the role that made her a star, I can understand. Set against the backdrop of a world that seems to have gone completely mad, two unlikely people find a love stronger than a war. How could I possibly not like this, huh? There's lots of great songs, but I'm a sucker for the sweet, mournful jazz of "The Last Night of the World." Again, Yahoo links and the full libretto.
	Oh, what an incredible show. These guys Kander & Ebb have written some of the absolute most stunning stuff on stage. I certainly count myself lucky, having seen so many great people in the production: orginal cast members Bebe Neuwirth, D. Sabella, and JOEL GREY (!!), along with the awsome Hinton Battle. Between the catchy, edgy songs and the stark black-on-black staging, it's an absolute scream to see (and yeah, the half-naked women dancing on stage help, too). Now "All That Jazz" is an amazing number to watch, but for a fun song to sing, it's gotta be "Razzle Dazzle" for me. I've only got a four-song libretto at the moment.
	Kander and Ebb do it again. Now I know why this show has been the hottest ticket in New York since Rent. It's without a doubt one of the finest nights at the theater I have ever had. For those who don't know, the theater (the former infamous Studio 54) is set up half as a cabaret, with tables, drinks, etc. This would be worth a go just for the smoky, red-lit atmosphere, but it's the show and the performances that make it truly great. Alan Cumming as the Emcee deserves every single accolade that's been heaped on him, and Michelle Pawk gave a great show as Fraulein Kost. This is an edgy, provocative and definitely adult production, that's as steamy and sensual as it is disturbing and thought-provoking.