Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:42am

What do you think is the greatest book of a musical?

Don't even consider the score. When a song comes, only consider plot it gives away.

Which is the best book of a musical of all time?

Would anyone agree with GUYS & DOLLS?

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:51am

I'd go with Gypsy myself.
Guys and Dolls is certainly a top consideration.

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:52am

Gypsy

[dry2olives]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:57am

That's a tough question and I wouldn't argue with anyone's selection of Guys and Dolls.

My personal favorite book, off the top of my head, is 1776. Peter Stone manages to create tension when we all know the ending. He makes sure the Tories are not depicted as villians. They are patriots who believe in a different direction for their country. The reserved, eloquent romantic scenes between John and Abigail are lovely. And I don't think any other musical book has been able to define so many characters without being confusing.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 11:58am

1) GYPSY
2) GUYS & DOLLS
3) SHOWBOAT

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:00pm

Gypsy's script is incomparable. But I think what really makes it stand out is a phenomenal cast. Every single Rose that has ever played the role on Broadway has pulled the part of with such gusto, boldness, and bravery. The scene in Gypsy's dressing room where Rose and Louise are fighting is so real and remains, in my mind, one of the greatest scenes in a musical. I dont know what it was about that scene but it just enthralled, angered, and sadenned me.

[Derek]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:29pm

Def. Guys and Dolls in my opinion...I also love the Music Man

[joeybiltmore1]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:31pm

THE MUSIC MAN

GUYS AND DOLLS

1776

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:33pm

My Fair Lady.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:38pm

My Fair Lady, 1776, Gypsy, and West Side Story

[apdarcey]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:41pm

gypsy's book is truly great. but it's major flaw in my mind is never knowing/seeing what happens to june. she's not there for any of act 2.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:46pm

apdarcey- that's because it is Rose's and Gypsy's story. However, from my theatre history books. I know that June Havoc went on to star in a couple of major musicals on Broadway (Pal Joey and Mexican Hayride to name a few) but never became the huge star they said she would be in the show.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:47pm

I wouldn't consider that a flaw. I think what makes Gypsy so great is that through the book, its able to hone in on the important characters. June, as shown through out Act 1 was seen as a 'performer'. Her character was developed enough in "If Momma got married". The story takes a darker turn in Act 2, focusing on Rose and Louise's relationship. it would be unnecessary and awkward to have June in act 2 (she did run away mind you)

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:50pm

Guys and Dolls is amazing, except for it's slightly dragged out last few scenes (anything aftre Sit Down, really)

Fiddler is pretty damn impeccable, too.

And Into the Woods, is brilliantly woven together.

Akiva

[BwayFan4]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 12:57pm

Gypsy or Fiddler

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 1:00pm

June Havoc also wrote a couple of books about her life. More Havoc is the one I remember.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 1:10pm

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

[roquat]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 1:48pm

I, of course, agree with "Gypsy". "Fiddler" also does an excellent job balancing comedy and tragedy. Every time something horrible happens (the wedding being broken up, Chava's rejection from her family) it is followed by some gently comic anecdote to keep the audience from lapsing into depression. And vice versa--the big "To Life" celebration scene is followed by a tense exchange between Tevye and the Gentile constable about a possible pogrom--this keeps the audience from getting complacent. I don't know many other musicals that are able to shift between these two modes so effortlessly.

[felineofavenueb]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 2:15pm

Gyspy and My Fair Lady.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 2:40pm

"Gypsy", without a doubt.

[cturtle]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 4:24pm

MY FAIR POODLE ... i mean LADY

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 4:27pm

WICKED!

[Thenardier]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 4:28pm

Fiddler

[ConvinceMe2]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 4:29pm

HOW TO SUCCEED...

[gymman]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 4:32pm

Gypsy
How to Succeed...