The Perfect Musical? — Page 2

I'd go with GYPSY, along with A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. I really consider both of those flawless.

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"I'd go with GYPSY, along with A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. I really consider both of those flawless."

No musical is "flawless"

there are flaws in every musical written

The most obvious one...

"Little Lamb."

Yeah, the moment needs a number, but not this one.

It's in the right place, and evokes the right sentiment, but the song is dull lyrically and musically until the lovely bridge. ("Did somebody paint you like that. Or is it your birthday too?')

it's just so unbearably twee.

I'm surprised at the number of people who list Gypsy as "perfect", yet so many claim they hate the song Little Lamb. LOL As far as nearly perfect musicals:

Les Miserables
Oklahoma
Show Boat
West Side Story
The Most Happy Fella
Gypsy
A Little Night Music
The Music Man
Fiddler on the Roof
A Chorus Line
Billy Elliot

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I always think of Little Shop too--people overlook it because it's campy and fun, but it is brilliantly and tightly written. There isn't a word or note misplaced. If the pacing is right and the performers talented, it is such a joy to watch.

My list would include Gypsy, Little Shop of Horrors and Sweeney Todd.

"Based on what's been said already: A fight between Rent, Gypsy and My Fair Lady"

I don't understand RENT being considered a perfect musical. There are several laughably terrible lyrics, not to mention that RIDICULOUS ending. I love that people say that RENT was 1. So original and displays such artistic vision and 2. Is so REAL

1. It's La Boheme in the 90s and AIDs instead of Tuberculosis. It's the EXACT same story. As for the music, Broadway shows have featured "popular" music literally since its inception, so I fail to see the innovation here either.

2. Ya it's so realistic. No sugar coating. Except for when Mimi magically comes back to life, turning a somber dark finale into a campy ridiculous one. Of course, is this even a happy ending? She still has AIDs. Isn't it actually just prolonging her suffering? Baaaaaad writing.

sondhead - Thanks for reminding me! I almost forgot to add Rent to my list. I disagree with most everything in your post, but such is life. I don't believe Rent is so much an "original" show (not that anyone said it was, but elements of the show are original) as it is well-conceived, and while popular music has indeed been featured on Broadway before, there is no denying Rent highly influenced a new musical style of writing that has gained momentum in popularity both on and off Broadway. And as for being "realistic", so what? Not that anyone said it is realistic, but anyone who expects realism from a musical is just asking for ridicule, so why even pick it apart? Were you expecting the show to be realistic or are you arguing with the invisible people who are making these claims?

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South Pacific. It has beautiful music, it's theme and message are timeless, it's progressive, and gives great roles to the actors. Also, it is a classic.

I really think West Side Story is one of the perfect musicals. I enjoy the music and the story is great. That is the only musical I have come close to crying in. The ending is probably one of the most dramatic and personally, is my favorite ending to a show ever.

Sondhead, I totally agree with you about the endings of musicals. They are so important and can really mess up what the whole show was about.

Rent is a great show but the ending is...well...interesting. I always space that scene out. I guess this demonstrates that someone will always find something with every show. But hey, who cares? The only thing that matters is that a musical is perfect to you.

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I think "Little Lamb" is perfect.

"I think "Little Lamb" is perfect."


Perfect?? REALLY??

2. excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement

3. exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose

4. entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings

5. accurate, exact, or correct in every detail: a perfect copy.

6. thorough; complete; utter: perfect strangers.