The Lion King -- as much as I like the costumes, I think they make the performers appear less important than they should be. And in some cases, the performances didn't measure up to the costumes. Also (at least when I saw it), the entire cast was very unprofessional -- VERY noisy in the back of the theatre every time they entered through the aisles. Finally, while I love the African "art" appearance of the sets and costumes, the Disney "signature" that were put onto Timon and Pumbaa (like Disney on ice) really took away from the environment that they tried to create.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/15/05
A lot of people who say Wicked is the best musical ever created are probably bunch of first-timers... Afterall, it didn't get that good reviews (mixed), and didn't live up to the expectation of most theatre-goers, so I wouldn't say it's overrated...
I'd say Lion King.
Chorus Member Joined: 1/3/05
cats, yea just didn't love it...
I'll agree that The Producer's is not the beast show ever on Broadway, but it is certainly a good musical.
That, however, cannot be said for the likes of Cats, Phantom and Miss Saigon. Yes they have some pretty songs, but pretty songs don't make a musical...
The Lion King
The Producers, Avenue Q and Wicked.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
CAT----w/o a doubt. I saw Wicked early on---(before the hype)--didn't expect much and so, enjoyed it more than I thought. I was bored silly at Cats, tho'.
LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
The Producers
The Producers disappointed me on so many levels. People argue that it's because I didn't see it with the original cast, but shows are supposed to maintain their integrity once the originals are gone, otherwise it just shouldn't run! I just thought the score wasn't that great and the material wasn't that funny!
If you are speaking "overrated" in critics' terms, "Wicked" is not overrated. The reviews were less than stellar.
Yeah I got bored in the Lion King also, I forgot about that one. I was kicking myself for standing through it.
A tie between "The Lion King" and Mamma freakin' Mia. I was SO bored during the Lion King and the thought "How the hell did this get so popular?" ran through my head.
Same with Mamma Mia. Not only was I bored, I was pissed that I spent money on that turd.
Rent for sure
Phantom of the Opera. The book was way better.
Overrated by teh critics or the public?
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Another vote for THE PRODUCERS...without Lane/Broderick, it's pretty shabby stuff.
We referred to the actors we saw in The Producers as "Flop Sweat Man" and "Neurotic Nancy". I can't even remember their names, but they annoyed me all night.
I'm actually surprised at all the venom aimed at The Producers - I thought it was pretty funny. Sure, not the best score of all time by any stretch, but it was an entertaining evening. Out of curiosity, how many of you who said you didn't like it aren't Jewish?
I'm also surprised that a couple of people didn't like Avenue Q -- if you didn't find that or The Producers funny, then what DO you find funny?
Of course, I'm sure there are people on here who don't understand how I can say I didn't really like Hairspray...
How come I have to be Jewish to enjoy "The Producers"? (if that is what you are inferring, jasonsf). I just found it overacted, over choreographed and the music was forgettable.
As for what I find funny in shows...I don't know what to compare to "The Producers" for "funny comparsion". I haven't seen Hairsrapy, so I can't comment on that show. Let me think about that.
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