I'm glad to see that someone else mentioned "Say Hello to Harvey". I'd forgotten all about it. I also have no idea what the book was like (except that they updated it and had it happen in the present, late 1970's at any rate). I half of the score is terrific and half of it is pure crap. It does have a terrific, show-stopper comedy song for the sister called "Lousy Life" that she sings upon getting home after being mistaked for a patient at the sanitarium. Possibly the song isn't as terrific as I think it is, it could just be that Patricia Routledge did a killer job with it. I'd be interested (if I ever became a millionaire) in reviving it, if I could get Leslie Bricusse to re-write half of it. (And, from what I heard about what went on during "Dr. Doolittle", he wouldn't want to re-write.) He went on to re-write the song and give it to the character of Sherlock Holmes' housekeeper in this musical "Sherlock Holmes".
I don't know how well "Reefer Madness" would do on Broadway. Yes, it would have a young fan base, but the older playgoer might not like it. I saw a first-rate, college production of it and it felt very long. That's a problem with doing a musical version of a cult classic. Every little moment ("Why isn't your baby crying?") gets turned into a song, which leads to a very long evening. It would have done better as a ninety minute, one act.
"A coherent existance after so many years of muddle" - Desiree' Armfelt, A Little Night Music
"Life keeps happening everyday, Say Yes" - 70, Girls, 70
"Life is what you do while you're waiting to die" - Zorba
I saw Sayonara (in Glendale, California!) and Paper Moon in Washington D.C. and thought both were quite entertaining. Sorry neither made it. I've also mentioned before at BWW the first show I ever saw - the musical version of Picnic - Hot September. I loved it, but then i had never seen a show before. Maybe it wasnt' any good, but I certainly enjoyed it. Anybody else see it?
Strouse's Bojangles was most enjoyable when it did its world premiere in Virginia at the old Barksdale Theater a long while back. I think I saw it for or 5 times during its run.
Prettybelle's material is very disturbing - I don't see it sitting well with the 2016 audience. I add my voice to Bare - saw a regional production last year and the show is explosive! Can really see it being commercially viable, and if not - perhaps at least a Deaf West production?
Kinda funny to see Sister Act being mentioned here, knowing how successful it ended up being :)
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
I saw one called Busker Alley with Tommy Tune back in 1995. I remember it being pretty good. Hit some snags along the way though and sort of died on the vine, I guess.
saw a fantastic production of Harmony at Ahmanson a couple of years ago that I was sure was gonna go to Broadway, it was so good. Was also surprised that Hunchback didn't transfer. Saw it in LaJolla and thought was amazing
Mr Roxy said: "Sayonara Arthur The Musical Elmer Gantry Harold & Maude - would be great Off Broadway Paper Moon"
Harold and Maude did, in fact, make it TO Broadway - for about three days and four or so performances. Sometime in early 80's. It was a legendary flop.
I would propose "Rebecca" - but hope springs eternal!
Manilow's "Harmony"...as a previous poster mentioned. It was good in Los Angeles but would need work for Broadway. There's definitely something there... I think, aside from Manilow's score, they should bring in some of the greatest hits of the Comedian Harmonists...
Lawrence O'Keefe musicals are actually pretty underrated I think, and Heathers suffered from poor direction and a lame set, but I stand by that being one of the best and catchy musical theatre scores of the last several years.