I'm quite excited to see the My Fair Lady Tour in New Jersey on Tuesday night. I have sadly never seen a stage production before of this classic musical.
That got me thinking...what would people consider to be, the let's say, top 5 greatest classic Broadway shows? Not to be confused with your favorite shows, but what shows really epitomize Broadway's past/present?
Basically, if someone who had never seen a Broadway show before asked you, "what 5 shows that TRULY define Broadway are 'must-sees' during one's lifetime," what would you say?
My list (in no particular order): Oklahoma! West Side Story My Fair Lady Gypsy Fiddler on the Roof
I realize that my list evidently contains 5 older musicals. Do you think that there are more contemporary musicals that 60+ years from now, we'll look back and say "that was one of the greatest musicals of all time" and revive it (perhaps even multiple times)?
Phan, your first four are pretty undeniable, but I'm not sure about Fiddler. And none of the other suggestions are striking me. Maybe we'll just have a list of 4.
As a kid 42nd Street was always the show that I felt WAS Broadway. I think it was because of the tap dancing and the songs. A romanticized idea of Broadway, I guess.
I'm not by any means a Renthead, but when we look back fifty years from now, I think Rent will have had as much an impact as West Side Story. I would remove Fiddler and put Rent there instead. I can't believe I just posted this. If not Rent, then I'd agree with Sweeney. While Fiddler is great and a classic, I'm not sure it's had the impact of Oklahoma or WSS, nor considered as "perfect" as My Fair Lady or Gypsy...
I wouldn't say Phantom nor Sweeney could be considered "Classic" musicals, because I at least consider a classic musical nowadays to be from the Golden Age. However, people from the Golden Age might have considered No, No, Nanette a classic way back when. I think it all depends on what time period you're from, but I think the past two generations could say the 'classics' come from the Golden Age. I personally think the OP's list is almost as classic as it gets.
"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"
In some reading I was doing, it was said that most Broadway...scholars(?) will agree that the 4 greatest shows are West Side Story, Gypsy, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler, with I guess Sweeney knocking on the door. So good picks, IMO.
Oklahoma! is without a doubt one of the most important and influential shows but I think when you compare the quality with the other 4, you can't really put it up there, IMO.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
Guys and Dolls Gypsy West Side Story Rent Fiddler on the Roof Oklahoma South Pacific My Fair Lady Sweeney Todd Cabaret Mamma Mia The Producers Beauty and the Beast
Brigadoon West Side Story Oaklahoma Carousel Kiss Me Kate The King and I Sound of Music South Pacific Company Into The Woods Guys and Dolls Damn Yankees Chicago 42nd Street Fiddler On The Roof A Chorus Line Phantom of The Opera Les Mis Miss Saigon
"Anybody that goes to the theater, I think we’re all misfits, so we ended up on stage or in the audience.” --- Patti LuPone.
Oklahoma! West Side Story Company The Phantom of the Opera Rent Wicked
I tried to represent musicals from different time periods, which is why some more contemporary shows are on my list. I think that when people look back on Rent or Wicked, they'll be considered classics as well.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli