Most underrated "Best Musical" of the last 15 years?

I think the question should be "What is the most overrated (i.e., least deserving) Best Musical of the last 15 years?"

Anyone for "Thoroughly Modern Millie"?

I'd say it's a toss up of Gentleman's Guide and Band's Visit. But Gentleman's Guide can be performed in community theaters for ages, as it's simple enough to do, and appeals to an older audience.

On the other hand, I can't see many regional or community theaters clamoring to put on The Band's Visit. I think lots of the general public will just find it boring. Hell, I see 100+ shows every year and I think it's boring.

In terms of overrated, DEH has that in the bag.

Caroline, or Change. A show too early for its time perhaps. Soaring melodies/lyrics with a tragic yet hopeful book. Revived in the today's political environment, perhaps it would resonate with theatregoers.

To look at it a different way... Since 2000, six Best Musical winners were NOT the longest-running musical of the year in which they premiered: Fun Home, Gent's Guide, Billy Elliott, Spring Awakening, Avenue Q, Millie.

Bekk992 said: "I would sayIn the Heights."

It's possible In the Heights was underrated while it was on Broadway. These days, I feel like *every* local theater company in the Bay Area is doing it. (And frankly, I can't complain - it's a good show that spotlights diverse voices and actors)

uncageg said: "For me:

Caro!ine or Change

Heathers

Bright Star

Desperate Measures

It had its problems but I would throw American Psycho in. Also, Leap of Faith.

Still kicking myself for not seeing A Gentlemen's Guide.

JMO"

heathers never even went on broadway so they weren’t even able to be nominated, and is overrated as it is

SomethingPeculiar said: "To look at it a different way...Since 2000,six Best Musical winners wereNOTthe longest-running musical of the year in which they premiered:Fun Home, Gent's Guide, Billy Elliott, Spring Awakening, Avenue Q, Millie."

Billy Elliot was the second longest. It probably would have been first had Rock of Ages not been able to transfer to the significantly smaller Helen Hayes Theatre. And Avenue Q had a very healthy run, and is still running off-Broadway, Yet no one would call Billy Elliot or Avenue Q underrated.

Gentleman's Guide

Women on the Verge. Brilliant score. Brilliant lyrics (better than Band's visit). Terrible production. Bart Sher was the WRONG director for a farcical fast paced musical comedy.

Fosse76 said: "Billy Elliot was the second longest. It probably would have been first had Rock of Ages not been able to transfer to the significantly smaller Helen Hayes Theatre. And Avenue Q had a very healthy run, and is still running off-Broadway, Yet no one would call Billy Elliot or Avenue Q underrated."

Agree 100%. It was more of a side note that I realized when I was looking at the runs of other shows. Though I do think some people had pegged BILLY ELLIOT to be the next Les Mis or Miss Saigon, and in that regard it underperformed on Broadway -- 3 years here, compared to 11 in the West End.

Updated On: 11/29/18 at 03:13 PM

BroadwayConcierge said: "The Band’s Visit. Despite winning ten Tonys, I feel like my non-theatre friends are always “on the fence” about seeing it."

I wonder how much price plays into that. Broadway tickets still are a luxury for a lot of people and if they are going to shell out money, they probably don't want to spend it on an "intimate" show. I know people like that. Some people don't want to see it because they think the subject matter doesn't sound compelling enough.