1776. The score, I think, is dreadful. The book, always praised as one of the best ever, I just don't get. A lot of big words and faux wit. Fans say oh, it's so suspenseful even though you know how it's going to end, I'm not in suspense for a minute.
The Lion King (it was stunning to look at. Julie Taymor was properly rewarded for her efforts but as a complete show, I didn't love it and I still think Ragtime was robbed of Best Musical).
^ THIS!
I forgot to include The Lion King. It was fine, but overrated (and I am a big Disney fan)... but I saw Ragtime on the same trip and it literally blew me away... I think it is simply one of the finest musicals of the last 20 years.
It is not a really tuneful one as most if not all of it is plot driven. Would love to see the same story told by a different composer. Best song in the score "Molasses To Rum etc".The other standout was "Mama,Look Sharp".
The case in point for me was KINKY BOOTS, I didn't like the production at all - for me, the score was bland, the choreography was weak, the accents were beyond bad, and the performances were either schticky or stereotypes. And yet, all around me, people were having a great time. So I sat there and thought, 'what am I not getting?'
Spring Awakening, although I am really intrigued by the new Broadway production. Also, Rocky Horror and Cool Riders, which both have enormous cult followings in my hometown.
Finally over the "Fun Home" wins at this year's Tonys, A8?
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
This list isn't "shows I don't like" so mch as it is "specific productions of a show that I didn't/don't like", and is mostly based on cast recordings:
Orignal Broadway Cast Recording of The Music Man (Barbara Cook's atrocious performance as Marian made it a chore to finish the recording even though I love the show and score in general)
Original Broadway Cast Recording of Fiddler on the Roof (I wasn't all that impressed with the cast)
Original London Cast Recording of Phantom of the Opera (Neither of the leads - Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman - 'fit' their roles)
CATS (saw a performance and just didn't cae for it)
Original Broadway Cast Recording of Into the Woods (I lke Bernadette Peters, but she just doesn't fit the role of the Witch, and I wasn't that impressed with the rest of the cast)
Original Broadway Cast Recording of Peter Pan (Mary Martin sounds like a grown woman trying too hard to sound like a pre-pubescent male child, which kills the show for me)
"Thoroughly Modern Millie." Thorough insufferable. I saw maybe the 4th preview, with a genuinely star-creating turn by a now beloved leading lady, and I saw a superb high school production. No dice. I find the show empty, unfunny, and after the title song, musically uninteresting. And I love Tesori's later work, so I'm not trash talking one of our best composers ("Caroline" and "Fun Home" -- it doesn't get any better than that.). It's the most produced musical in high schools in America, for a good reason, and it doesn't need my vote. I hope never to experience it again.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling