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!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
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.
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!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
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).
Having been in Merrily, I should lose my pink card for neglecting from my list!
" I wish that the stage were as narrow as a tightrope wire, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." -- Goethe (he wants you to go to my Myspace page www.myspace.com/jasonklemm
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
"You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" - Betty Parris to Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Norbert Leo Butz quotes about John Lithgow: "He's really clumsy. One of the joys in life is to watch a great big huge man totally wipe out backstage. It takes John about three minutes to hit the floor. It's like watching a Great Sequoia falling gracelessly."
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
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird