Lengthy Opening Numbers that Do and Don't Work...- Page 2

[DWalk]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:48am

When I saw the title of this thread, the two shows that immediately came to mind (as openings that DO work) were Ragtime and Titanic.

[jmponstage]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 2:00am

yeah titanic's clocks in at about 15 minutes i think. but it really works for me. the score and orchestrations are impeccable. all of the exposition is really important to, because it is about all of the information we get about some of the characters for the first hour of the show.

[alwy15]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 2:26am

i'm not sure if this counts, but i've always been swept away by the carousel waltz from carousel. while its not really a number as much as it a pantomimed orchestral piece --- its truly breathtaking as an opening when done well.

the song 20 million people from my favorite year, i always thought, was a wonderful opening number and the best part of the show.

[jagfkb]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 6:58am

the full opening to Mary Poppins (though long) is one of the best on broadway, due to not only the great new score mixed with the sherman classics, but the amazing cast and the incredible set.

[D2]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 7:45am

FOLLIES. Brilliant.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 7:57am

I loved the opening of Grand Hotel, which introduced most of the major characters and got all of their stories in motion for about 10-15 minutes, at least, to the point that when the ensemble came forward to sing the end of "The Grand Parade," you didn't quite realize that you were still watching the opening number.

Posted: 6/28/07 at 8:04am

Can't believe I forgot this--I LOVE the full, original 1927 opening to SHow Boat with all the choruses, Andy's Ballyhoo, etc as recorded on the 80s archival recording

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[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 8:05am

For me, no contest - Ragtime is the best opening, music and staging.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 9:12am

for the person who said Fame's didnt work (you really do have to see the opening performed on stage), Its not a great show but i have a soft spot for it as i did it for over 2 years and i have to say the opening is done really well and pulls you in straight away

[mortgageguy79]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 9:20am

Titanic's opening was SO long....but SO wonderful!!!

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 9:25am

I actually didnt care much for A CHORUS LINE's opening...for me it was a bit too long

But I think my favorite lengthy opening would be INTO THE WOODS
It's perfect, in my opinion

[ben4]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 9:30am

I have to say I didn't even remember Titanic had a long opening, but now that everyone's bringing it up I think I should point that I really didn't think anything worked about that musical.

The score for the most part was forgettable and lame and the characters were so one-dimensional that I couldn't find myself caring for any of them. When the ship finally sank, I was truly in disbelief as to how anyone could write such a musical exploiting a tragedy and paying nearly no attention to the characters and people who were on the ship.

I do remember being moved by Thomas Andrews song ("Mr. Andrews Vision") that occured right before the sinking, but that was pretty much it. It remains one of the most baffling enigmas to me that people not only like that musical, but they consider it 'great.'

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 12:19pm

Titanic is fantastic.

Into the Woods is definitely my favorite.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 12:49pm

The Color Purple's opening in number is too long and irrelevant. Talk about never-ending. I love the opening to Ragtime. A Chorus Line's opening is just too long.

[Wicked63]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 12:56pm

'The Man Behind The Iron Mask' Duchess Theatre London. The opening number went on for 2hrs 30mins until the final curtain! That was along number! Boy!

[pianoalex]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 12:57pm

Wicked,Ragtime,Fiddler on the Roof

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:23pm

Opening Numbers that work:
"Runyonland" from GUYS AND DOLLS, introducing us to the denizens of Times Square.

"I Ain't Down Yet" from 1960's THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Tammy Grimes was just wonderful in the title part and this number provided a spectacular opening, showing this lady's spunk and willpower.

[Weez]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:27pm

Ah good, I'm not (quite) the first person to mention 'Fiddler On The Roof'. It's a quick crash course in life in Anatevka, and I love every minute of it. :3

[raphael06]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:29pm

Titanic and Into the Woods both have very long openings but in my opinion they are the best openers ever! Oh! And Willkomen!

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:30pm

I agree with most of you. Especially on Into the Woods and A Chorus Line. I have a soft spot for the opening of JC Superstar and my guilty pleasure...The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, I have seen it done many ways and i'm not usually disappointed in either of those shows.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:31pm

I agree about The Color Purple. God, that opening is bad.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 1:46pm

I agree with the Fiddler opening. Truly stunning.

I hate the score to My Favorite Year but the opening is top notch.

[Jade]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 2:15pm

Having listened to the High Fidelity cast recording, I actually enjoy most of the opening number although I do skip the "Hiroshima of my soul" part - I just find it strange.

As for opening numbers that don't work, I thought Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' really dragged. It seemed to go on forever, and I just wanted them to get on with the plot.

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 2:23pm

"Ragtime's" opening is really dependent on the cast. I've seen it done wonderfully, but I've seen it done BADLY. And, nine minutes of it being done badly makes you forget how truly brilliant it is when done well.

Love "Fiddler's" opening and "West Side Story's" as well. It's not too long, but it's not short either.

[vfd88]

Posted: 6/28/07 at 2:25pm

Nobody's said West Side Story yet?! It's so effective and the music is beautiful.

I agree with Ragtime and Into the Woods. Maybe Company.