People basically have the right idea... until they say something ABSOLUTELY retarded. Here's the real scoop.
So technically, "The Black Crook" (1866?) was the first musical ever. Really, all you need to know is that it was the first time people had the bright idea to put singing, dancing and acting together. Of course that where the brilliance of the Black Crook ends, so it isn't really something you need to know in a life or death theatrical situation, but it is good to know the beginning of musical theatre.
"Oklahoma!" (1943): First musical to have a really definitive plot. Extremely influential show. The beginning of the musical theatre monopoly of Rodgers and Hammerstien. If you haven't heard of it you are not worthy of the joys of musical theatre (slight overstatement).
"Guys and Dolls" (1950): The perfect musical comedy. It's attainable to people of all ages. I swear, this show will never die. Simple plot, catchy songs. I'm going to be in my third production of it in a week, and it probably won't be my last time. It just is so perfectly crafted that it is still enjoyed fifty years after it's creation.
"West Side Story" (1957): Another milestone. It introduced Sondheim, who is arguably the greatest composer/lyricist in musical theatre... ever. In the opinion of this writer, it is nearly impossible to go through life and not have heard any of the songs. It has influenced not only musical theatre, but every genre of music (Michael Jackson, for instance).
"Hair" (1967): It was the first musical to break every taboo and be universally accepted by the public. It defined the genre of rock musical. Without Hair, there would be no Rent or Spring Awakening. That's why it kind of made me sick to see that people had listed those two shows without listing Hair.
"Chorus Line" (1976): I'm getting bored of explaining myself, so i'll just list the musicals from now on.
Fiddler on the Roof
Phantom
Les Mis
Into the Woods
Rent
"There are only two worthwhile things to leave behind when we depart this world of ours: children and art."
-Sunday In The Park With George
Updated On: 6/27/08 at 07:11 PM
