Incredibly UNDERRATED Overtures..

Before anyone says something. This is not ANOTHER "favorite/best Overture" thread.

I've been through many of these threads. And I never see some amazing overtures included.

First off I think

ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY has an incredible overture. I would put this up against GYPSY's overture ANYDAY. Just as good as the Gypsy overture. This overture barely gets any love!

Well the next overture is from a very unfamous show. It's the overture of REDHEAD. I really think this show has a great overture. One of the strongest parts of score, in my opinion.

SWEET CHARITY also has an amazing overture. I'm not talking about the cheap version from the new revival, in which they cut down the overture. I am talking about the original overture, it's just incredible. Nothing like starting with the BIG SPENDER vamp. And at the end, the big build up to the vamp again!

So what do you think are some UNDERRATED overtures?

Not such a great show...but great overture...WONDERFUL TOWN

Still I'll say GYPSY...though far from underrated...is still the best.

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I love the jazzy overtures of HOW TO SUCCEED... and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED...

Please note: I am referring to the ORIGINAL productions - the recent revivals edited and/or changed the overtures.

On the other hand, I adore the overture of the REVIVAL version of DAMN YANKEES - with the national anthem, the "play ball!", and the sounds of the cracking of the bat. And when they got to the "Whatever Lola Wants" section, the conductor played the castanets, with his baton between his teeth like a rose.

Promises Promises! :)

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

i'm not saaying that it's the best overture ever...but i really like the Urinetown overture.

it's just so original sounding with it's orchestrations. i think it also stands alone...there aren't themes from any other songs from the show.

Merrily We Roll Along

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Wow, Smaxie... They didn't put the overture on the album??? Truly tragic, and strange.

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Yes, and the album for HOW NOW DOW JONES is very very short, so it's unfortunate, because Lang was able to make just about any score sound like a million bucks. I don't think the Overture was even recorded, but it starts with the ticker tape music that is used for the beginning of "A.B.C.". I seem to recall that "Shakespeare Lied" is in the Overture, and I think they do a bit of "Walk Away" before the thing ends in a hair raising martial version of "Step to the Rear". It's GREAT.

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's overture is fantastic.

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I didn't know that merrily was underratted. I have always considered it BRILLANT. Honestly, in my top five.

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Actually all July Styne, except GYPSY and FUNNY GIRL which are all they are said to be.

Updated On: 10/12/05 at 10:42 PM

I'll also add "Do Black Patent Leather..."

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