I do love the theatre and want to have more of it in my life. I have been collecting cast albums for decades! If I had a time machine, here are 10 shows that I would love to go back and see the original casts of. Sometimes because the show is phenomenal. Sometimes the show isn't, but the cast is. Would you join me in seeing some of these?
1. The Secret Garden
This was my first Broadway show. By the time I saw it, Rebecca Luker was the only original principal remaining. Even though she was amazing, I would love to have seen Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagen perform this beautiful show.
2. Gypsy
This was Ethel Merman at her pinnacle. While many have put their own spin on Mama Rose, seeing the original, the one the role was written for, would be mind blowing!
3. A Chorus Line
The ultimate Broadway show about Broadway. Knowing everything this cast went through and how the show was created, this original cast would be a must see. I was obsessed with this recording when I first heard it and played it constantly for several years!
4. Oklahoma!
This was such a groundbreaking show for its time. It forever changed the face of musical theatre. Specifically, the opening night was the only time that the original cast performed together according to lore. Would love to have been in that audience. That audience they couldn't fill all of the seats for and were giving tickets away!
5. A Little Night Music
To have seen Glynis Johns perform Send in the Clowns! Not to mention the great Hermione Gingold as her mother. The cast is stellar and it is my favorite romantic musical ever.
6. Camelot
This is not a great show but it's a great score. The book has major problems that have not been able to be fixed over the years. Still, it can be a magical night in the theatre. Besides, with Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and Roddy McDowell....what's not to love!!
7. Chicago
Seeing Broadway legends Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera on stage together would alone be worth the ticket price. Enough said!
8. Applause
The great Lauren Bacall in her Broadway musical debut. While her vocal range was limited, what she put into the role of Margo Channing was undeniably brilliant. A Tony award winning performance not to be missed!
9. Dreamgirls
A brilliant cast in a brilliantly staged production. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Divine as the title trio.....Wow!
10. Ragtime
Seeing Marin Mazzie in the role that should have won her a Tony would be thrill enough. But when you have a cast that includes Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald, count me in!
Which original casts would you like to see? Let me know!
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