As a lover of musical theatre, I sometimes wish that I could time travel back to the golden days of Broadway. Days when there were great shows. Even the not-so-great shows were great, comparatively. And you didn't have to take out a loan to get tickets. As much as I have loved going to NYC in the past and seeing shows, I do not foresee that happening any time soon with prices the way they are. Still, there are some shows that I would love to go back in time and see. Sometimes it's because the show is amazing itself. Sometimes it's because the cast is phenomenal even when the show isn't. Sometimes it's a star turn that made history. If you could go back in time and see some original casts of musicals, what would they be? Here are my top 10 choices:
1. Mame
The 1966 musical adaptation of Patrick Dennis's Auntie Mame by Jerry Herman. To see this with Angela Lansbury in the role that catapulted her to Broadway stardom. And, of course, Bea Arthur as Vera Charles, her best friend. Nothing would be better than to see them live on stage together! And that wonderful Herman score!
2. A Chorus Line
Michael Bennett's 1976 Pulitzer Prize winning musical about the lives and struggles of Broadway gypsies. I have been obsessed with this musical for years. And knowing the history behind its creation, seeing the original cast would be a dream come true.
3. Dreamgirls
Incredible staging by Michael Bennett. A fun score and an outstanding ensemble cast. A star making turn by Jennifer Holliday and an act 1 finale that went down as Broadway legend.
4. Gypsy
Gypsy brought a roaring end to the 1959 Broadway theatre season, missing out on Tony contention by a few days. It was nominated for the 59-60 season but lost out all awards. Ethel Merman at the pinnacle of her career, creating the role to end all roles.
5. My Fair Lady
This classic 1956 musical made a Broadway sensation out of Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison earned a Tony Award (and later an Oscar) for his performance as Henry Higgins. A delightful score full of wonderful songs. I wouldn't have minded seeing Sally Ann Howes, Julie's replacement, either!
6. South Pacific
The 1949 Pulitzer Prize winning musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein. While not my favorite score of theirs, as a package deal this show is the one to beat. Its themes are timeless, its score is beautiful, funny and poignant. It swept the acting categories at the Tony Awards that year. Something no other musical has achieved.
7. Camelot
Despite the many book flaws of the show, the score is wonderfully entertaining. And the chance to see Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Robert Goulet...Wow!
8. Follies
The original production of Follies is legendary. Everything came together in this concept musical that still divides the theatre going public. It's one of my favorite scores of Sondheim's and the shear magnificence of the production design alone would be worth the trip back in time.
9. Sweet Charity
Gwen Verdon played so many fantastic roles on Broadway but if I had to choose one to see, it would be her portraying Charity Hope Valentine. Verdon's appeal and Fosse's choreography are an explosive combination that I would love to have seen.
10. Funny Girl
Barbra Streisand already had buzz surrounding her name when she exploded on stage as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. The score was fitted for her amazing vocals and it shows. What an evening this would have been!
Thinking about this makes me want to get out and see more theatre. Who knows what new show may blow my mind!
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