Most UNDERRATED shows you've ever seen?

[jam_man]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:10pm

Enough with the negatory vibes - let's get the good vibes going. What are the most underrated shows you've ever seen?


The Mystery of Edwin Drood - it's so fun and has a great score, I'm suprised it's done much more often.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:15pm

well, i personally thought bernadette's gypsy was riveting, and not many do...

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:17pm

RAGS

[Sant]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:23pm

MARTIN GUERRE. I didn't see this last revision of it, but I saw it after the first (?) re-write in London, and I really liked it. I didn't find the plot/book challenging or hard to follow at all. And the score was excellent!

[joeybiltmore1]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:45pm

LA BETE.

About 12 years ago there was a play by David Hirson called "La Bete" on Broadway and it was beyond brilliant - from writing to design to direction to performances. I was stunned when it barely lasted a month. I also can't believe that this play hasn't been done more regionally. It was one of the best things I've ever seen.

More recently, however, I thought A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE should have gotten a fairer shake. I know it has many fans, but it's a shame it couldn't have run longer.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 4:46pm

I saw Big River here in LA before it went to NY.

I thought it was great. I am not sure how it did out there.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:06pm

Once on this Island. Never got the love or respect it deserved on Broadway, though it's had quite the life in regional theatre. One of the best shows of the 90's. (should have won the Tony in 91)

[Thenardier]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:06pm

I didn't see it, but Chess

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:14pm

I saw Chess 2 summers ago and I can not figure out why they haven't reworked it.

[Corine2]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:49pm

Millie.
Secret's Every Smart Traveller Should Know
Forbidden Broadway
Our Sinatra
Updated On: 8/21/05 at 05:49 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:52pm

Wonderful Town

While the critics RAVED, and loved every second of it. Broadway fans and audiences just didn't find an interest in it, and the Theatre was empty a lot. It was a shame because it was a GREAT revival.

It took Brooke Shields to gain the show some attention.

[Patronus]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:53pm

Chalk up another vote for Chess.

[Corine2]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:54pm

I never saw the show with Brooke. I did love Wonderful Town with Donna Murphy and Gregg Edelmann.

[hot_brdwy_diva]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 5:58pm

The Robber Bridegroom!
saw it at a community theatre and loved it!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 6:05pm

JoeyBiltmore1, I'd agree that LA BETE was one of the most underrated shows I've seen. Quite a stunning piece of theatre.

More recently in the musical category I'd have to say CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. Most folks didn't recognize the brilliance of that piece, and this from a early detractor.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 6:14pm

I think a lot of plays are underrated. "Hollywood Arms" was beautifully acted. I am still not understanding why Linda Lavin was not nominated for a Tony, but so glad that Michelle Pawk was AND won.
Off-Broadway's "Temporary Help." I believe there was only 4 people in the cast, there was one set, and it was one of the most suspensful plays I have ever seen.

[Born2cthelightsofbway]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 7:28pm

Rags, Big River, and Dracula.

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 7:34pm

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!

[VanHassle]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 7:35pm

Chess
and I'll add Ragtime. It got completely overshadowed by the Lion King.

[My Name in Lights]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 7:38pm

Underrated for sure: LENNON and ALL SHOOK UP I've seen them both numerous times. They are completely different experiences, but both of them are great!

Unfortunately, the mixed reviews will keep a lot of people from seeing these shows for themselves. Instead, they will rely on the critics to dictate what they see. That's too bad because with the current discounts running, the risk is cut by 50% or so. It's odd, too, because those same people will see a show because a critic says it's good...and yet good reviews don't mean everyone is going to like the shows anyway.

There are quite a few running now that are big disappointments, yet the critical hype that they are good has kept them going. Only after you pay the money and see it can you decide for yourself. Then, whether you like it or not; at least it was your choice how you spent your time and money and not the critics.

WONDERFUL TOWN, ROCKY HORROR, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES were also victims of mixed reviews and they all had something good going for them. Not perfect, but what really is; and definitely UNDERRATED.
Updated On: 8/21/05 at 07:38 PM

[roquat]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 7:52pm

"Merrily We Roll Along" and "Follies". Both have unbelievable, heartbreaking scores. Their books are plodding and unworkable, but WHO CARES?

[stagebeauty]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 10:15pm

spelling bee!

[apdarcey]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 10:28pm

spelling bee is a sure-fire hit... it consistently sells out the theatre, with standing room, ending above 100% attendance... it has broken the house records at circle in the square... and it got straight raves from the critics... also it walked away with 2 tony awards and some others awards including the drama desk for best ensemble, a high honor on broadway! i don't know how that makes it underrated?

[bdwybelle]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 10:30pm

Triumph of Love - it was on broadway in 1996 (I think) and at 7 I loved it. It should have lasted longer.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 8/21/05 at 10:34pm

The Golden Apple
Amour
Taboo

just to name a few (it rhymes... haha)