To reply directly to your question (using the three shows that you delineated), here are my opinions:
In JCS, the most impressive song is "I Don't Know How to Love Him." It's not because it's simply the best known song from the score, it goes deeper than that. Think about it. I don't know HOW to love him, Mary Magdelene says. How does one love Jesus, really? It's a fascinating viewpoint, when you think about it. It implies that she knows how the story will eventually turn out, and prescience is an interesting dramatic device. But I think that Tim Rice really hit it with that lyric (and he is never given enough credit for it): "Should I scream and shout, should I talk of love, let my feelings out? I never thought I'd come to this... What's it all about?" I think that's a powerful piece of writing, that perfectly sums up what that character is thinking.
CHICAGO? Is all about the opening number. It perfectly sets the tone for everything that is to follow, and comments not only on the decade in which the show is set, it comments on life versus showbiz. The lyrics retain the vernacular of the 1920's ("Come on babe, we're gonna bunny hug," and "I betcha Lucky Lindy never flew so high") and yet it remains universal.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is more difficult for me, I'm not a big fan. I suppose I would choose "Edelweiss," as it was the last song Hammerstein ever wrote, and it does evoke a simply, lovely quality and emotion amongst all those Nazis.
Good luck with your presentation.
Updated On: 12/14/04 at 10:56 PM
