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Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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#1

Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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?
"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
#4

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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.
#6

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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.
#12

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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.
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.
#13

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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)
Happy...Everything! Kaye Thompson
#14

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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
#18

re: Greatest Book Of A Musical - What do you think?

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.
I ask in all honesty/What would life be?/Without a song and a dance, what are we?/So I say "Thank you for the music/For giving it to me."

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