Most of you probably don't know that I'm a big fan of musicals. At least certain musicals. Of this admittedly uneven genre, the stuff of Stephen Sondheim clearly rises to the top. I don't know why it is exactly, but I think it is because his musicals are often very dark. I generally don't revel in darkness for its own sake. But the inclusion of such a dark worldview within a musical framework that usually includes sappy romance and singing animals presents a dissonance that I find endlessly intriguing. Here, then, is my formula for a good musical: Singing people + dark plot = great musical.
Given that formula, it should be no surprise that here is a list of my top five musicals:
1. Sweeny Todd
2. Into the Woods
3. Evita
4. Wicked
5. West Side Story
Worst Musicals
1. Oklahoma
2. Cats
My favorite clips from Sweeny Todd? First, the song "A Little Priest." If you haven't seen the musical, here is the general thesis: "For what's the sound of the world out there?/Those crunching noises pervading the air?/It's man devouring man, my dear/Then who are we to deny it in here?" Who thought cannibalism could be so funny?
The next song, "Johanna," is interesting because of how it suggests that love, revenge, and rage can all be turned into something truly monstrous. Compare to the love songs of other musicals. (Warning: Slightly bloody)
5 comments:
Ah, Bryan is musical fan. A man after my own heart.
I agree mostly with your list. I haven't seen Sweeny Todd, but I've really wanted to. People say it's very gory, which has always held me back.
Les Miserables tops my list. But, maybe that's because we saw it in New York, on Broadway. Can't beat that.
I also love Evita and West Side Story. Haven't seen the other three, but am scheming up a trip to Chicago to see Wicked. Cliche, I know, but I also like Phantom and Les Mis.
Just out of curiosity, have you seen the movie version of Sweeny Todd and, if so, how does it compare to the stage version?
Sorry to post again. Forgot to mention that Gilbert and Sullivan are also up there on the list of favorites.
what about seven brides for seven brothers?! what better song is there than "bless your beautiful hide"!
I would recommend that you check out Beethoven's Last Night by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. (http://www.amazon.com/Beethovens-Last-Night-Trans-Siberian-Orchestra/dp/B00004S7LI)
It is more of a "rock opera" than a musical and to my knowledge it has never been performed anywhere, but it has some really amazing music and songs on it. It tells the fictional story of the night before Beethoven's death as he is confronted by the devil and given a choice between his music and his soul.
You will need to read through the liner notes the first time to fill in between the songs but it is well worth it. Great classically inspired rock and some dark yet powerful moments. For example, in one scene the devil threatens to torture a young homeless girl if Beethoven does not give in to his demands:
THERE IS A CHILD AND SHE SLEEPS IN THE GUTTER
DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SHE'S EASY TO SEE
SHE IS NOT YOUR CHILD
SHE'S ALWAYS ANOTHER'S
AND THOSE YOU ABANDON
THEY ARE LEFT TO ME
AND KNOW I WILL IMPALE HER LIKE A KNIFE
LEAVE HER TWISTING DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY OF A VERY SHORT LIFE WITH ME
LISTEN NOW CLOSELY AND HEAR HOW I'VE PLANNED IT
PLEASE LET ME TELL YOU JUST HOW IT WILL BE
SHE'LL FEEL THE PAIN BUT SHE WON'T UNDERSTAND IT
SHE'LL THINK IT'S HER FATE
BUT WE'LL KNOW IT'S ME...
Just a sample of some of the powerful lyrics. Anyway, check it out.
-Derek
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