"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
1) CAROLINE, OR CHANGE 2) AVENUE Q 3) DRACULA (If it's open when you go. I loved this show in CA and I'm sure it's only gotten better)
"Noah, someday we'll talk again. But there's things we'll never say. That sorrow deep inside you. It inside me, too. And it never go away. You be okay. You'll learn how to lose things..."
1. (Really Short) Forbidden Broadway(Off Broadway) 2. Avenue Q 3. Hairspray 4. Caroline Or Change 5. Wonderful Town I love all five! Updated On: 7/21/04 at 12:52 PM
I know most people think of musicals when they think of Broadway, but may I cast two of my three votes for straight plays? For comedy you can't beat "Sly Fox." It has a great cast and is the only remaining non-musical comedy on the boards right now. For drama, it's a toss up between "I Am My Own Wife" and "Frozen." Both are very powerful and intense and have superb performances. My choice for musical would be "Wicked," since there is something for everyone in it. The themes are universal and timeless, and the book and score are very clever. It's a feast for both the eyes and ears. The sets and costumes are spectacular, and the orchestra is a good old-fashioned full pit that doesn't overpower but rather enhances the vocals.
CAROLINE OR CHANGE, because the others will probably tour and Tonya Pinkins gives a legendary performance that should not be missed. It's this generation's FOLLIES....and out of all the musicals of the seventies, that's the one production I,personally, wish I had seen.
There's also off-broadway and straight plays, too. SIGHT UNSEEN--although it's closing soon and I haven't seen this current production--is a brilliant piece of writing that will truly haunt you, I wouldn't miss it.
Speaking of legends, don't forget BARBARA COOK'S BROADWAY!
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
"[My son]'s really into my music, but one day we were listening to Billy [Joel] in the car and he said, 'Daddy, I think Billy's songs are a little better than yours." (Michael Cavanaugh)