West Side Story - Gorgeous show. One of the best musicals ever written. Not foolproof, though. Amateur productions usually come off pretty bad without a decent orchestra, good choreographer, or top-notch singers.
Frogs - Read the script, listened to the score, bored me to tears. I like the original play better. With Nathan Lane practically reprising his role in Forum, there's nothing to draw me to see the show.
Gigi - I've tried many times to watch the film, but I always get bored and never finish it. A really forgettable score and too much is reminiscent of the far superior My Fair Lady.
Zorba - I love the film. I love the score. Since no one ever does this show, I've never seen it, but I have wanted to for years. I know the revival was a flop back in the 80s. Perhaps it is due for a fresh new revival that could explore more of the book and perhaps incorporate the raw natural flavor of the film. There are some incredibly talented Greek performers out there. This show is a great vehicle to showcase new talent. I have a feeling the time is right to really bring this show out and make it shine. So far, the reexploration of Kander and Ebb has worked well.
The Apple Tree - This is definitely an interesting show. I listened to Stuart Ostrow discuss it numerous times and the score has some charming moments, but I'm just not sold on it. The Adam and Eve story is very cute, but the other two stories really don't interest me much.
Company - A Sondheim classic with a score full of gems. The show could work fully staged or simply in concert form. It requires double-threats. Every cast member must be a strong actor and singer (except perhaps Joanne, if her acting out weighs her singing, then it is forgivable). But like West Side Story, you better have a strong musical director that can handle the score and make it sound effortless. Otherwise, the score will sound amatuerish and clunky.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
