I visited NYC with family over Memorial Day weekend and saw the show "Newsies"My wife and I really liked the dancing in the show and so did my daughters who are not easily impressed(dance majors in college and are dancing professionally currently). This made me think of my favorite 5 Broadway shows in regards to the dancing in the show only. Wondering what the opinions are of the Broadway fans on this board. Off the top of my head and in no particular order they would be the following.
1) Movin Out 2) Billy Elliot 3) Newsies 4) Bring in Da Noise Bring In Da Funk 5) 42nd Street
Song and Dance A lot of "firsts" (in terms of being generally recognized by the audience) that were later imitated by other productions.
That was also the first show I saw where an ensemble member was singled out as distinctive from the rest (I know it's happened before - this was my first). On the street, everybody was talking abut the girl with the "abs of death" who did the jacket dance with Joe.
the latest incarnation of Anything Goes. omg. those tap numbers absolutely took my breath away. they were very lengthy numbers but i didn't want them to end. and those very attractive chorus boys with the precisely tailored sailor pants (ahem).
CAROUSEL tops the classic Agnes de Mille ouvre for me. And the McMillan work in the '94 revival was equally stunning. MY ONE AND ONLY and GRAND HOTEL deserve a mention-- Tommy Tune at his most dazzling. STEEL PIER and SCOTTSBORO BOYS --Susan Stroman did thrilling work in both.
A Chorus Line Chicago Cabaret Pippin (only have seen revival) 42nd Street The Scottsboro Boys Oklahoma! (I only have the film to go off of, but it's so groundbreaking and the Agnes De Mille choreography for the dream ballet is glorious).
Honestly, and I know this is going get more than a few eye rolls, but my favorite dance show is CARRIE (198. I could watch IN & WOTTA NIGHT over and over again. I know the show was flawed, but if we are just talking about dance, this show tops my list. Those dancers were MOVIN! And I found the choreography to be very exciting.
Lot's of people don't like Rob Ashford, but I LOVE his choreography. Loved How to Succeed and Evita revival as well, oh and Promises (even if he did use the "famous figure 8" haha). Also a big fan of Sergio's work in Memphis, the "Radio" and "Underground" dance sequences are unbeatable.
Interesting to know that your "not-easily-impressed" dance major daughters were impressed by Newsies. I love the show and visited again in April and they actually changed some of the choreography due to replacements and the specialty tricks that people can do. I love the new versions of the numbers and can't wait to go back again.
I would have to agree with you, TrulyOutrageousJem. Even though it was totally out of context, the actual choreography and skill of the dancers in Carrie is commendable.