Best Opening (Not Overture) Number in a Musical — Page 5

I love the opening to "42nd Street," "Side Show," and "A Chorus Line."

I find the "Ragtime" opening to be long winded and boring and too expository, but I recently saw a bad production of it, so maybe I shouldn't say anything because I've found it incredible other times. All depends on my mood, I guess.

I think the opening to "Music Man" is fabulous. I love the whole opening sequence of "Dreamgirls" up to the end of "Move."

And, I'm shocked that I either missed it or no one said it, but "Magic to Do." And, I love the opening of "Working."

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Updated On: 11/25/06 at 03:21 PM

An English Teacher - Bye Bye Birdie
Opening/I Hope I Get It - A Chorus Line
All That Jazz - Chicago
All The Livelong Day - Working (I did the show and it gives me goosebumps just to hear the opening)

Plus, to me Big Spender is the REAL opening number for Sweet Charity.

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My favorites are:
A Chorus Line
Parade
Sweeney Todd
The Light in the Piazza

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my top 3 are:

"It's Your Wedding Day" -The Wedding Singer
"Prologue" -Into The Woods
"Rent" -Rent

but i also love "All That Jazz" from Chicago

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Every Story is a Love Story- Aida
It's Your Wedding Day- The Wedding Singer
Freak/Ode To Attention Seekers- Taboo (on Broadway)

COMPANY

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Only one person mentioned "We are what we are" from La Cage (it was Maime). That number (in both the original and the revival) really sets up the show to say this is going to be a fun, colorful production, so sit back, put a smile on your face, and prepare to be entertained. The saw is reprised to such a wonderfully strong ballad, "I am what I am" in one of the most poignant numbers ever produced.

My honorable mentions go to Evita, A Chorus Line and Titanic. Evita takes you down to the core of her following and strength amongst the people. Chorus Line so effectively relays the optimistic hope of the dance gypsies.In Titanic, you feel so fatalistic. Awesome!

I don't know if I'd call it the best ever, but I always liked the opening number for Putnam County. I just think it sets everything up so wonderfully.

Oh gosh...

Seussical - it's just so fun!
Ragtime - amazing
Sweeney Todd - No explanation needed
Into the Woods - Same as above
Sunday in the Park with George - I don't know why I like it so much...
Jekyll and Hyde - It gives me chills
The Lion King - Downfall from there...
The Beauty and the Beast - Such a fun number!
A Chorus Line - Only if it's done right
Annie, Get Your Gun (Recent Revival) - Wow. I just love it!
CATS - Don't ask me why. Probably the only part I like in the show
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Cute I love the harmony
Chicago - It's just brilliant
Cabaret - Fun amazing opening!
Hairspray - Only if the cast is energetic
La Cage Aux Folles - The tune's so catchy!
Oliver! - Same as above, and only if the cast is full of energy
Songs for a New World - Gosh, I can't explain the amazing-ness of this number!
Billy Elliot - Gives me chills just by thinking about it!
Evita - A very powerful number
Urinetown - I don't know why I like it... I just do


Gosh, I didn't know I loved so many opening numbers!

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Comedy Tonight.

Imagine that show without it. The show was a flop until they added it. Then it soars.

Then West Side Story.

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Updated On: 4/8/09 at 02:55 AM

Avenue Q
Spelling Bee
The Lion King

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Hairspray---Good Morning Baltimore
Saturday Night Fever---Stayin' Alive
Hair---Aquarius
Fiddler---Tradition

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"Can't Wait" from "BIG"