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re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

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#1

If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/5/06 at 9:03pm

What 3 American musicals would you introduce them to, and why?

I won't give any examples as to not pursuade people.

Updated On: 12/5/06 at 09:03 PM

#2

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/5/06 at 9:55pm

Oklahoma: Classic American culture in the Western states with values that are held close to many in our country. Optimistic, easy-to understand, and enjoyable in "Americana" style.

On the Town: Gives an outsider's view at life in NYC, exploration of new area, classic show

Company: Modern classic that is my last choice because it could possibly only be best appreciated by an American exposed to that sort of culture. However, it does show upper-middle class life very accurately today.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck

Updated On: 12/5/06 at 09:55 PM

#3

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/5/06 at 10:16pm

Candide - Best music in the genre, bar none

On The Town - for reasons listed above (and above)

LITP - Shows the contrast that the form has taken since then and it's the best contemporary musical out there that keeps with the song/scene form.

"Fenchurch is correct, as usual." -Keen on Kean
"Fenchurch is correct, as usual." - muscle23ftl
#4

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/5/06 at 11:05pm

hmm... it would depend on the person...

if they wanted spectacle: Phantom or Wicked (i know, i know, but you've got to admit, if you want to see a spectacle, in every sense of the word, good or bad, these two fit the bill)

if they wanted something moving and endearing: LITP or Color Purple

if they wanted a classic: Gypsy. enough said.
#5

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/5/06 at 11:13pm

Show Boat - Classic example of typical American musical

West Side Story - Uses dance to convey plot

The Color Purple - Modern musical that slightly deviates from traditional plot-line

Also all these shows provide commentary for American historical social issues.
#7

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/6/06 at 12:31am

Hello Dolly! - Artful Entertainment

The Phantom of the Opera - Spectical

Sunday In The Park With George or Sweeney Todd - High Art (Sunday would be to show the more Play-like musicals, Sweeney to show that they're not all happy go lucky)


I have several names, one is Julian2. I am also The Opps Girl. But cross me, and I become Bitch Dooku!

Updated On: 12/6/06 at 12:31 AM

#8

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/6/06 at 12:56am

Just to clear up confusion...I'm talking, if someone who doesn't speak English (this is hypothetical, so don't give me that "but then how would they understand the musical" crap) wanted to know three good musicals and knew nothing of the art form, which ones would you list and why?
#9

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/6/06 at 1:08am

CATS - No one gets it, so foreigner wouldn't feel like they're missing out anything.

A Chorus Line - Maybe some of the monologues/lyrics might not be easy to figure out, but it's still amazing.

The Phantom of the Opera - Just 'cuz.


"Hey, you! You're the worst thing to happen to musical theatre since Andrew Lloyd Webber!" -Family Guy
#13

Making sexy time on Broadway

Posted: 12/6/06 at 8:38am

I would try to pick shows that represented a variety of writing and staging styles:

Les Mis

Chicago

The King and I

Oh, and Mr. Borat, in our country it's not considered polite to stand up and answer back to the stage during a performance.
"I have got to have some professional music!" - Big Edie
#14

Making sexy time on Broadway

Posted: 12/6/06 at 9:16am

A Chorus Line wouls absolutely have to be included. Since you specificed American musicals, I'll leave out any British imports. So, I'll go with Gypsy and West Side Story.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson
#15

Making sexy time on Broadway

Posted: 12/6/06 at 9:43am

I agree with A Chorus Line & Westside Story.

But if we are talking "classic American musical" here, you can't forget about Guys and Dolls.
#16

re: If You Had To Introduce A Foreigner To Musical Theatre

Posted: 12/6/06 at 10:18am

If you're trying to get a slice of "Americana" in a musical, try:

Ragtime and Show Boat (both drama)
How To Succeed... and Music Man (both satire)
Hello, Dolly! or Guys and Dolls (both musical comedy)

If you're not looking so much for "Americana" but want to see the best that the genre of the American Musical has to offer, see:

Sweeney Todd
Gypsy
A Chorus Line

If you want to see what's very popular currently in the genre, see:

Wicked
Jersey Boys
Lion King

"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

Updated On: 12/6/06 at 10:18 AM

#17

Cultural learnings of Broadway

Posted: 12/6/06 at 10:20am

Borat would absolutely love Mamma Mia. I suppose there's no way to consider that an American musical. If Les Mis has to be excluded for its French/British roots I would substitute Ragtime.
"I have got to have some professional music!" - Big Edie

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