Two Types of Musical Theatre Fans: Old-Fashioned or Modern — Page 2

Where does SOndheim fit in the first poster's definitions??

Anyway I like a huge assortment too although I have to admit I tend to prefer serious ones--to watch/listen to (just how I am--I also tend to prefer serious novels and serious movies)--although the "musical comedy" ones can be tons of fun to be in (and I like watching them too).

Musicals are a medium to me though more than a genre... Like any medium (or way to tell a story) I'm not automatically gonna prefer one style.

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For me, it's not subject matter, but music that makes the difference. If I love the score(Ragtime), I love the show. If I hate the score (Sweeney Todd), I hate the show.

Just to add another quote into Phantom and Les Miz Vs. Producers argument, "Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

What are you saying? I'm an asshole? Or do you think I'm calling those who don't like what I like assholes? Not at all. I SPECIFICALLY said I respect people's opinions and that they have every right to enjoy something I don't like. I apologize if I interperuted you wrong.

And John Waters is the man.

"I wouldn't call Les Mis or Phantom deep or emotional. I'd call them stupid."

Then I would call you a very poor candidate for a producer. They are two of the smartest shows ever produced.

"The newer composers, thank God, are creating dramatic pieces of the theatre that don't take themselves as seriously as mega musicals. There are moments of humor in works by Guettel, LaChuisa and so forth."

There are moments of humor in Les Miz and Phantom as well. It's not that the shows take themselves any more seriously than 42nd Street, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, A Chorus Line, or The Full Monty. The dramatic moments are taken seriously as dramatic and the lighthearted moments are taken....you guessed it....lightheartedly. Just like The Producers takes many of its comedic moments very seriously. Almost to the point of losing its humor altogether.

"And ANYBODY who thinks PHANTOM, LES MIS or the works of ALW are better theatre than GUYS & DOLLS or SOUTH PACIFIC has no business making absolute pronouncements on the theatre. Obviously, all their taste is in their mouth."

Please. Anybody who thinks people should adhere to one opinion only has no business making closed-minded snotty declarations about the theatre or any other art form for that matter.

"The one style that I really dislike are the megamusicals - Les Mis, Phantom, Miss Saigon, Wicked; the shows that take themselves too seriously."

Wicked? Takes itself too seriously? When? You must be talking about a different show, right?

Green girl...Galinda...talking goat?

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gymdudeva, Don't give up on those shows yet! The first production of THE MUSIC MAN I saw was a bland community theater production, so I thought it was a bland show. When I saw it on Broadway, I was amazed in 2000 and 2001. I adored every minute of it.

So . . . Maybe you just haven't seen a strong production yet? have you seen the DVD of Brent Barret and Rachel York in KISS ME, KATE?
Broadway Blog: . . . The Jane Eyre Altercation (a sad but true story)

um, i consider myself a "Modern" theatre fan, but dont like any of the shows you considered "Modern" theatre fans to like

as others have said, i am probably on the border line. THE WEDDING SINGER and GREY GARDENS are my two favorite musicals. one is more modern, one is more classic. so, yeah.

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I would think Les Mis would be in the other category.

It's hard to say for me - my taste in musicals is like my taste for music in general, which is pretty eclectic. I love big, fun shows but I don't really like cheesy stuff. Sometimes those two characteristics go hand in hand, so its hard for me to choose a category.

I like Les Mis, but I don't like Phantom or Cats.

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Les Mis is one of my favorite shows. Obviously, then, I'm a shallow "ballad-lover."

My favorite shows also include My Fair Lady and Guys and Dolls. I'm not obsessed with the Producers, but I do like it. I can't stand Phantom in any form- the musical, the movie and the novel all bores me to tears. I think Wicked is overrated.

This is basically a nasty musical-theatre stereotype. Stereotyping is not right and not fair. It's wrong and always has been wrong. Period. End of discussion.

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Am I a bway legend yet

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