Are musicals fun?

Perhaps its because I'm still young and I haven't had a rich experience of many Broadway plays under my belt, but I think Broadway shows are a lot of fun. I don't think they've stopped being fun.

In fact, I think new concepts like Avenue Q are really starting to make musicals more interesting and funny, and steering away from the traditional musical.

I know that after I've seen a show with a friend or whoever, I can't stop talking about the show and everything I loved about it and how great so and so was. But like I said, I'm still a teenager as well as an aspiring actor, so I love almost everything about the art of theatre.

I can't think of a show I didn't have fun at, besides a poorly directed "Kiss Me Kate" in a community theatre. Oh, and a High School production of Annie (with a 6 foot tall Annie). Those are simply productions, though, and not the show material themselves.

Do you feel that they aren't fun anymore, Broadway Bulldog? What shows in particular do you feel are taking away the fun of musicals on Broadway?

There are some good shows on Broadway right now, but I think Avenue Q is definitely one that is "fun". I've yet to see it (I have tickets for Feb. 4th), but based on the cast recording I find it very fun and exciting. Have you seen or heard Avenue Q yet, Broadway Bulldog? I think that's a good example of at least on 'fun' show on Broadway. But I see what you are saying.

Hmm true, I was under the impression that it was basically all comedies or revivals that have opened on Broadway lately but maybe I'm wrong. What was the last successful non-comedy, non-revival,successful musical on Broadway? Just wondering. Overall, I would just like to see a mix of more original shows. fun ones, more serious ones, serious ones that can be fun, fun ones that can be serious. I am a big fan of originality overall. I need to get the Avenue Q cd! (That "true" was not in reference to BOB's post, it was to broadway bulldog's. I don't want to be shot.)

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Updated On: 1/3/04 at 12:15 AM

I am seriously frightened about Broadway's future. Musicals like "Aida, Hairspray, Wicked, Avenue Q, RENT, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Producers" are all popular and usually draw in the tourists (which is great, Musical Theater should be fun at times and such musicals draw in the younger generation) but there's nothing to balance that out. There needs to be more Sondheim, Finn, Brown, Yeston musicals that make you think, that make you come out of the theater learning something, that can change your life and see things in another perspective. The "Into the Woods" revival had a shorter run than expected. "Bounce" flopped. "The Producers, coming soon: Wicked, Hairspray, and Mamma Mia" are all on tour so now non-theater people are getting the impression that these shows define the term "musical".

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Updated On: 1/3/04 at 01:00 AM

I actually sometimes find it difficult to really enjoy - on any level - musicals that try too hard to make you think. If something screams to me "I'm a serious musical, take me seriously!" I'm going to get bored very quickly and not really want to make the effort to appreciate the art involved because it's so self involved.
Nine was terrific. Gorgeously written, had a very engaging story, good pacing, and enough touches of comedy that didn't have a cloud looming over it's punchline to give the show a bit of a lift from the overall tone. That, to me, is a great musical.
I think "Millie" (which I just got home from) is great fun. Same to "The Producers" and "Avenue Q". Although they're different kinds of fun, they're all fun. Millie is lighthearted fluffy fun with some great over the top moments in addition to smartly done, more simple scenes/songs. Producers and Q are an entirely different kind of humour but are both engaging and while they'll make you think more than Millie will (well, Q does....), the intelligence of the piece doesn't overshadow the piece itself.
I think I'd best define a truly fun show depending on whether or not I'd need to be in the mood to see it. If it's pure, fluffy fun, I need to be in the mood for it. If it's too serious, I need to *really* be in the mood for it. But if it's smart and fun, it doesn't matter how I feel when I walk in. I think Q and Urinetown, in particular, are so great because they';ve got things that a broader range of people can appreciate. Pretty much something for everyone, IMO.
There endeth my thought train.

Chasing...an observant point that a musical play performed with puppets-with-a-heart a la Sesame Street can be more thought provoking than the "we're alive and aren't we cute" humans behind the puppet show known as THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.

Bulldog

I like JoizeyActor's reply. I think Broadway is fun. Perhaps those who have seen so much theatre become jaded and less appreciative, not to mention a bit close-minded towards newer material.

The biggest problem I see with Broadway now is that everything has to be so elaborate. What happened to simple? I like the plain sets where you eye is more drawn to the characters and in a musical's case, the music. I can understand how you feel Bulldog (although I do like the modern stuff too ).

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What is your favorite musical Bulldog if you have one? What do you recomend in Sondheim musicals? (I need to get more into those.)

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Without a doubt, "Chess".

PS Does the period go before the quote or after? I recall reading something about this.

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Damn, I'm good.

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Does it really?
I guess you learn a new thing everyday.
Always though at broadwayworld.com.

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