Spring Awakening. Not because it was too edgy for me, not because it was too "rock". Its rock music didn't rock.
Kinky Boots. As others have noted, it's predictable. The English accents were so awful that a middle school cast of Oliver! would cringe. Then a character supposedly from Northampton used the phrase "stifle your yap." That is not a phrase that would be used in Northampton. Still, congrats to Cindy Lauper and team. They created something that lots of people love.
Oh, Tazber....thanks for the concerned shoutout! I forgive you your trespasses! (Yes, I loved Once.)
Hits that weren't worth my time or money:
Rock of Ages
Curtains
RENT. (Really, hated every moment of it.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
The Lyric Operas production of carousel. It's not that it wasn't great, I loved it by the way. But I only loved it at certain points and that was only when Steven, Laura and Jenn were on. All the other principle actors bored to hel. And the ballet part was beautiful, but it felt like eternity!
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
Oh, I forgot Kinky Boots. It was fine and the music is fun, but until my dying day I will never understand how someone can see that and Matilda and think Kinky is a better show.
The same way that Newsies won over Next to Normal. People have different opinions.
For what it's worth: I enjoyed Kinky more than Matilda.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Oops....thanks for the correction, Jeff! My premise, however, still stands. (But don't I feel silly.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Agree about The Producers and the Lyric Opera production of Carousel. The Producers just wasn't my kind of show and I thought the score was generic and forgettable. The Lyric Opera Carousel was just mostly ugly and lazily directed.
Spring Awakening's not for everyone. Most of the lyrics are very non-literal and metaphorical. Also not everyone's into that edgy-rock sound for Broadway musicals, but it is for me and is one of my favorites.
Some of my favorites are American Idiot, Rent, Tommy and Hair, so I definitely did not find it too edgy. I didn't care for the stylized staging and I found the lyrics eye-rollingly pretentious. That finale song was pretty to listen to, but don't try to make sense of it when watching the show. The only line in the song that rang true was:
"A song too hard to follow"
I love Once! I'm going to see it again tomorrow night, as a matter of fact. I thought it was poignant and beautiful. And I really love the staging. I play the CD a lot. Gorgeous music.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
The Lion King, other than the beautiful opening number
Something Rotten! (critical hit, at least)
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
There are very few shows I've really disliked, and most weren't really hits but Finding Neverland I was close to hating and whilst it's early days it's certainly a hit for now
Otherwise it's been more disappointment following excessive hype
Book of Mormon
Matilda
Miss Saigon
On The 20th century - yes the cast are perfection and it has some great moments...but god it dragged at times
^I agree. I've rarely disliked a show, but since I'm cheap and tend to see shows after they've been hyped up, I'm often let down-- KINKY BOOTS, MAMMA MIA, THE LION KING.
The ones I've felt lived up to the hype were MORMON, ONCE, and MATILDA.
I too find it ridiculous that KINKY BOOTS beat MATILDA for Best Musical.