Best Opening (Not Overture) Number in a Musical- Page 7

[gypsy4]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 3:39pm

Belle from Beauty and the beast.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 3:44pm

I'm with ALWrules about "Heaven on Their Minds" from Jesus Christ Superstar. You can't ask for a better opening number in a rock musical--it's a real masterpiece of economical, character-driven exposition. It accomplishes in roughly three minutes what it would take two or three scenes in a "book" musical to establish.

Right from the top, here's Judas, he's the central dramatic character, this is his relationship with Jesus, these are the doubts he has about Jesus' approach and they sound like he's an intelligent man with legitimate concerns, and some background on Jesus' growing ministry is thrown in for good measure.

It's not a classic piece of theater by any means, nor does JCS strive to be as a whole, but it's pretty damn good.

[goodmanK]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 3:52pm

First that come to mind:

The Secret Garden, Clusters of Crocus/Opening Dream
Phantom of the Opera, Auction

They should revive The Secret Garden, and not include the changes that they did to the show in London - ruined it!

[cremi]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 4:01pm

Everystory is a love story - Aida
I loved the opening of Mary Poppins!

And Ich hab getraumd von Manderlay - Rebecca, gives me chills

[dayao]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 4:41pm

MAGIC TO DO (Pippin)
FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD (Oliver!)
THIS TIME OF THE YEAR (Finian's Rainbow)
MONTMART (Can-Can)
BOTTLENECK (Destry Rides Again)

[practically_perfect]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 6:19pm

I Hope I Get It - it just grabs your attention from the "5-6-7-8"

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 6:47pm

I Hope I Get It- ACL

Omigod you Guys is a really EXCITING opening, in my opinion.

I also really love in Chicago when the conductor goes...5678! And all the dancers come on with the jazz music...it was really exciting.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 7:44pm

"It's a Nice Cold Mornin'" from MAGGIE FLYNN. What a fantastic song!

[wicked1492]

Posted: 4/4/09 at 8:26pm

Spamalot! Fisch Schlapping Song! Love it.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 12:01am

I do quite like ACL's opening number

[rich.hanson59]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 12:09am

"Audition" from 42nd Street is my favorite opening number.

[philly03]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 12:23am

"The Way It Ought to Be" from A Tale of Two Cities is another one of my favourites!

[cserannie]

Posted: 4/5/09 at 4:44pm

no one mourns the wicked - wicked
give them what they want - Dirty rotten scoundrels