Quite honestly, many people don't consider musical comedy to be worthy of edification. The general notion seems to be that because one is laughing, there's very little artistic merit. For some reason, the perception is that serious dramas are more "sophisticated" and "classier", and, therefore, true art. That is to say that a show achieves brilliance if it deals with the angst of losing a best friend and coping with the loss, where as you merely "have fun" at shows that are 55% gags about Jews, tits, Lloyd Webber ballads, or Hitler. Needless to say, I disagree heartily with those who scoff and discredit comedy. If you're spurning it simply on the grounds that it made you laugh at vulgar low-brow jokes, then you have no business deeming what is it artful for the next person whose tastes may not align with yours. In truth, fine musical comedy is often dangerously difficult to write and perform; that is why I feel it is to be respected and celebrated in such high regards as what the majority would consider to be "real art".
...And so, there I was at the stage door for "Equus". The enthused avalanche of "Harry Potter" fans was literally pushing me into the barricades. As I was thrust face-first into Daniel Radcliffe's hat, I suddenly felt the thumb of a lanky gentleman behind me pressing firmly into my back. It was then that I realized that both of his hands had Playbills, and that both arms were outstretched in front of me...
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