I was just wondering what everybody's favorite overtures/openings are? Classically, I love the Jerry Herman overtures ( w/Hello, Dolly being the fave), I also love Gypsy's overture. AS far as contemporary theatre. Valjean's prologue/opening number is what inspired me to make this a career choice when I saw it in high school, and as cliche as it is, I am a sucker for the "Gentleman, a little illumination"--- cue the moving chandelier. I am a Sondheim fan/performer, but that organ ditty still gets me EVERY time I see it live, and when I hear it provides a great visualization!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/16/05
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Les Miserables
The Light in the Piazza
Wicked (Yes, you can pound me now.)
Gypsy
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=251008#352099
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
I think if you limit the poll to adults (in other words, those who don't think the Broadway musical began with RENT), the odds-on favorite would be GYPSY.
Gypsy is my all time favorite, Merrily We Roll Along is my current favorite.
LOL..Jon..you mean there was broadway before Wicked?? We should be safe as there hasn't been a hell of a lot overtures written recently. I think witch Elphaba could fart on stage and half this site would vote it their favorite song!
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
The overture on the original cast album of MERRILY is thrilling. I hate the abbreviated overture in the "revised" version of the show (among many things I hate about the revisions).
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/22/05
My vote goes to Gypsy, Sweet Charity, and/or Candide.
Having been in Merrily, I should lose my pink card for neglecting from my list!
Broadway Star Joined: 8/28/05
Les Miserables
Miss Saigon
They are short, but so full of emotion and set the tone for the whole musical. I LOVE IT!!!!
I love me some Les Mis and Miss Saigon,
B2B
GYPSY with FUNNY GIRL a close second runner up. I've also always liked the overture to HIGH SPIRITS.
Gypsy
Merrily We Roll Along
Gypsy
Candide
Merrily
Carousel
West Side Story
I like the overture to The Producers, even though it was cut from the show.
Other favorites:
Gypsy
Urinetown
Les Mis
Miss Saigon
Little Women
MAMMA MIA is pretty rockin, and so is its Entracte
Leading Actor Joined: 2/22/05
Funny Girl
Mack and Mabel
On the Twentieth Century
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/1/05
DRS
I really love the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels overture.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/28/03
Gypsy
Phantom of the Opera
The Producers
Merrily We Roll Along
South Pacific
and the Nightmare Before Christmas one on the cd (fabulous!)
For Prologues:
Fiddler on the ROof
Into the Woods
Godspell
West Side Story
I'm just going to list my favorites, but in no particular order.
Gypsy
Wonderful Town
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Sweet Charity
All Shook Up
La Cage Aux Folles
Little Women
Gypsy. Gypsy. Gypsy.
Oh, and did I mention Gypsy?
Stand-by Joined: 9/10/05
West Side Story
Chicago
Gypsy
Finian's Rainbow
Aida
Little Women
Gypsy, it is!
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