New York Magazine Panel: Pick the Greatest Musical — Page 2

I like City of Angels, but I wouldn't put it in the same category as Gypsy or Carousel. And it's funny, I think I'm one of the only people who really loves Act 2 of Sunday... .

For me, at least, Sunday's opening is plenty exciting.

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It's a great article. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall. Ok, who am I kidding, I would have plopped right down at their table and joined in the argument.

I can't believe the King and I made the final shortlist. I loathe that show. It sends such a terrible message, and I don't think there's any aspect of the show those themes that redeems it for me like there are for other outdated musicals.

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Oh, I think King and I has wonderful characters, especially Anna, and a great book. The score leaves a bit to be desired sometimes. I wouldn't be as harsh as you, orangeskitlles.

@mysteriousg If Nora Ephon were reading this, she'd say. "Thank you for proving my point about She Loves Me."

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Boy, was that was ever not clever.

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The King and I is a wonderful musical- truly one of the greats- especially if you cut "Western People Funny." And it's also a great stage-to-screen transfer.

I really like The King & I, but I would not have put it on the short list. Even for Rogers and Hammerstein, the score gets a little too precious at times. I realize I may be in the minority, but I was actually a bit surprised there was no mention of Rent at all. Or the genius of Falsettos.

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Oh, Sally, you're in for a treat! It's a perfect confection, and the performances on the original cast album are delicious.

I actually envy you that you're going to get to hear Barbara Cook sing "Vanilla Ice Cream" and "Dear Friend" and "Will He Like Me?" for the first time.

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And "I Don't Know His Name" which is my personal favorite. Enjoy!

Just seeing the words "I don't know his name" on the screen made me hear her voice going up the scale as she sings the next five words: "...or...what...he...looks...like."

Beautiful!

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And no mention of "A Trip to the Library"? For shame!

"...Optometrist!"

Pure genius.

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For me, My Fair Lady borders on being a little too long.

I do love "The King and I" and I think there are beneficial messages throughout the story. The King and Mrs. Anna learn to accept each other despite their differences. I also think that one of the most beautiful scenes occurs in the film version (which is the only one I've been fortunate enough to see)-"Shall We Dance?" in my opinion is one of the most sensuous scenes in a musical. You can feel the heat between the characters and you realize what they feel for one another and how different it would have been between them in another time and place. Just my two cents.

I probably would vote for Showboat for historical reasons-without that you don't get a lot of other shows, including Oklahoma and Carousel. Showboat is very important as a piece-it has a very dark side to it and deals with heavy social issues. It is also a book musical as opposed to a revue which had been the norm.