Lesser-known Musicals You Wish Others Knew About

I thought it'd be nice to create a thread that just gushes about lesser-known shows I positively adore. These deserve FAR more credit, imo. 

FUGITIVE SONGS - Miller and Tysen's song cycle that preceded TUCK EVERLASTING. Absolutely gorgeous score!! Features 19 songs documenting a group of runaways' trek across America. The studio cast album features the likes of Gavin Creel, Karen Olivo, Barrett Wilbert Weed, Matt Caplan, Joshua Henry, and Alysha Umphress. I will never understand why this isn't huge. If the opening number doesn't grab you, I don't know what will.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY - Music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, whose past show, JANE EYRE, scored five Tony noms. First opened in Chicago in 2014 and was very well-reviewed, although, for whatever reason, it never caught on. While the songs are awkwardly short at times, the music is still incredibly beautiful, and the cast album is reflects that. I highly recommend (also, if you're a baritone, there's some SOLID audition songs here).

If you have any shows like these, post 'em! I'm so passionately obsessed with these, and I'd like to hear about what others have. 

Updated On: 11/9/17 at 08:40 AM

JANE EYRE - Loved Marla Schaffel in it!

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG - I never heard of htis musical until I saw Maria Friedman's production in Boston where my friend had an extra ticket for $25. I mean WOW! I didn't even know that the 2 actors performing there (Mark Umbers and Damian Humbley) also performed in the 2013 West End production. I hope it'll do a Broadway revival transfer someday and I plan on watching the Lonny Price documentary soon.

Malloythere! said: "There's this tiny, unknown musical about the American revolution and its founding fathers that really doesn't get the buzz it deserves."

You're absolutely right! 1776 is SEVERELY underrated.

"Venice" from the Public a few years ago! I know it got mixed word-of-mouth here on this board, but I think the score is to die for. 

Zanna, Don't!

Bare: A Pop Opera

Baby

Ballroom

TRIUMPH OF LOVE

OH BROTHER

ERNEST IN LOVE 

GRIND

SMILE

TRIUMPH OF LOVE

GIANT... one of my favorite scores of all time.

The Rink, The Rink and The Rink. A superbly conceived and written show with a golden Kander and Ebb score that was overshadowed at the time by starry performances from a well-cast Chita Rivera and a wildly miscast Liza Minelli. Much like War Paint and Grey Gardens, it's a one-of-a-kind show built on two fascinating women characters and a faceless ensemble. It's long overdue a proper Broadway revival.

Venice, I know many hated the show when it was at the Public....but I ADORE the music. 

Children of Eden

35mm

wicked4l said: "GIANT... one of my favorite scores of all time."

I'll see your Giant and raise you The Highest Yellow

SeanD2 said: "wicked4l said: "GIANT... one of my favorite scores of all time."

I'll see your Giant and raise you The Highest Yellow"

And I'll raise you LaChuisa's terrific score for Bernarda Alba.