Gypsy: Greatest American Musical??- Page 2

[tazber]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 5:49pm

How is not liking Gypsy equated with a lack of intelligence?

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 5:50pm

I could see how calling a musical like GYPSY barf could equal that.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 6:03pm

Oh, well that's logical I guess.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 6:32pm

No, but is in the top 3, and Patti LuPone is in the top 3 Roses, with Merman and Lansbury.

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 8:11pm

My top 3 Roses are, Kathy Halenda, Ethel Merman, then Patti.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 8:28pm

NO, not Xanadu, though it's hella fun

Since there are not as many non-American musicals to choose from (the "musical' has widely been deemed an American invention of sorts) And since the art form of the musical has evolved with each passing musical era, it's very hard to pinpoint THE greatest of them all. Perhaps it hasn't even been written yet.

West Side Story
Gypsy
Oklahoma
Hair
Rent
Sunday In the Park or Sweeney Todd
A Chorus Line

Many of these have left an indelible mark on the theater landscape be it subject matter, strength of book/music, the style presented being quintessential to the art form, the mad talents of the creator/composer, the radically difference in tone/music/storytelling that redefined the genre, etc.

One of the great "American" musicals in my opinion is "Ragtime" for not only it's historical perspective, but for the adherence to the thematic beats of ragtime music found throughout the score, giving it a real 'heartbeat' using a style of music that was very distinctively American.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 8:28pm

But not in that order, I hope.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:02pm

Oh not in that order, no.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:12pm

I think Joey was talking to defygravity.

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:19pm

If you were talking to me yes in that order.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:28pm

Well, I'm sure Kathy Halenda would be flattered but beg to disagree.

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:34pm

She would beg to differ, that she is my favorite Rose? Why?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:46pm

It's very sweet of you to be so loyal to Ms. Halenda, but you will learn that there are degrees of stardom. To conflate a small star like Kathy Halenda with a large star like Angela Lansbury is sign of immaturity...or dementia.

I was once as deluded as you. When I was 12 years old, I was taken to see Mame on Broadway, then starring Jane Morgan, whom I instantly pronounced "better than Angela" (whom I had only heard on the cast album).

To give you an idea of my immaturity, here is Jane Morgan performing "It's Today." She is not better than Angela. I'll let you decide whether she is better than Kathy Halenda.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVG2DGOjqhg

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 9:50pm

What does stardom have to do with them being your favorite?

[tazber]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:05pm

Who the hell is Kathy Helenda?

[Not Barker, Todd.]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:12pm

"Who the hell is Kathy Helenda?"

My thoughts exactly.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:18pm

She is currently starring in a third rate touring production of GYPSY. She has never been on Broadway..which is probably why most haven't heard of her.

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:19pm

Why can't someone be a favorite Rose and be unknown?

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:46pm

Seriously - if his favorite Rose is Kathy then who cares! It's his favorite.

I don't think he's claiming that she's the best in the role, just that he personally likes her the most.

[Not Barker, Todd.]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:48pm

I don't care who he/she likes, but a comma and period would be nice every once in a while.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:49pm

The Jane Morgan Factor--watch the video above.

[defyingravity07]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:50pm

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! precious Patti is still in the top three don't worry people.

P.S. Kathy hasn't been on Broadway but can be in both Equity and Non-equity shows.

And I say go listen to the songs on Kathy's website.

Updated On: 3/21/08 at 10:50 PM

[John Casavant]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:50pm

Updated On: 9/2/10 at 10:50 PM

[Not Barker, Todd.]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:52pm

"THANK YOU!!!!!!!! precious Patti is still in the top three don't worry people."

Why does everyone always assume we all love Patti Lupone?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/21/08 at 10:53pm

I couldn't agree more, John.

And, fabulous avatar. She was perfection in that role.