Yes, of course Gypsy but I also like Wonderful Town's overture - and, for that matter, all of the orchestral pieces in that show, especially "Conquering New York" which Bernstein, I think, self-pirated for his concert piece, Prelude, Fugue and Riffs.
"Grease," the fourth revival of the season, is the worst show in the history of theater and represents an unparalleled assault on Western civilization and its values. - Michael Reidel
i'm sure it's been mentioned on a previous thread, but...
FOLLIES...like Gypsy's it has many highs and lows...and with FOLLIES, at the end of that overture, you know the show isn't going to end happily...which is fine with me
Okay - Gypsy gets another vote here, as does Funny Girl. I also love La Cage aux Folles - and maybe it does not count as an overture, but Sweeney Todd's grave digger music is really an inspired touch!
I know I have already listed mine........but I get such a rush when the guy in POTO goes "A little illumination.....gentlemen" and then all of a sudden the theme music just blares. God, nothing like it in the world.
"They're eating her and then they're going to eat me. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!" -Troll 2
but for my favorite (notice how i said favorite and not best) start to a show i would have to say chicago or rent (i love how informal the beginning of rent is)
When I went to Gypsy, I took along a friend who'd only seen a few more contemporary musicals with no overtures at all. She was a bit mystified by the fact that the orchestra was playing but nothing was happening. But when Chris Jaudes started his trumpet solo, it really didn't matter. It's not every show that has an overture bring the house down.
Phantom Rocks It...Wicked & Secret Garden are close seconds for overtures
And you think of all of the things you've seen, and you wish that you could live in between ,and you're back again only different than before...
After the Sky.
-Into the Woods (Jack)