Braniff -- I've been a very lucky girl this year, with work taking me to three great cities!
Like (almost everyone else) I was floored by FUN HOME and HAMILTON. I am not a U.S. Citizen, so in a way, I was surprised at how much I was taken by these musicals which are 'so' American. I guess CARRIE at La Mirada would fall into that same boat. But I thought all three did an extraordinary job at finding the universal humanity at the center of each story. It didn't hurt that all three were thrillingly staged and performed.
Ironically, my favorite West End picks are both American shows! But I have never seen a better production of GYPSY or SALESMAN. Sher and Walter in SALESMAN were both astonishing. And Staunton is the best Rose I've seen (and I've seen LuPone and Peters). Odd to think stories about the defeat of the American dream can resonate so strongly in a British production - but again, the best of theatre always finds that universal transcendence.
“I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then.”
With at least 5 more to come! A very Vey good year. I really liked everything except If/Then. Hard to believe OTTC is number 11 because I loved it but there were just so many good shows.