Since the kids have gotten old enough to appreciate stage shows, we’ve subscribed to the Pantages in Hollywood and the Kavli in Thousand Oaks. Checking my calendar, we’ve seen these musicals in the past year:
Finding Neverland: meh. Well-done story, but none of the songs were memorable. Best song was the boys’ song with simple instruments.
Bandstand: bleh. First act was terrible. I noticed many empty seats after the intermission. Second act was okay but not enough to make up the difference. Good points: some great dancing and some actors actually playing instruments.
Summer: yeah! Well-done show with good story, good music, good dance. I think this will be a classic. I’d love to see a movie version, but I don’t think they’d capture the magic of the stage show well.
Anastasia: yeah! Story is rather dark and depressing, but it’s Russian, so that’s okay. Music is excellent, as is choreography.
Book of Mormon: meh. Story is interesting, music okay. A lot of vulgar language, which made for some interesting conversations with the kids. Nothing like stupid overuse of “fuck” to discourage kids from using the word. :eek:
Les Miserables: yeah!!! This is the standard to which all musicals are compared. We go to it every chance we get. Main problem is there’s a lot of story, which requires some explanation to those unfamiliar with it.
Legally Blonde: yeah! Rather surprised at how well this one turned out. I could see a movie remake based on the musical working well.
Cats: bleh. Okay, some good songs, and the costumes and dancing are excellent, but I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy it.
Sound of Music: yeah! I love the music. The choreography is lack-luster. The production we saw had way too much Nazi stuff in it. I was getting nauseous from it.
Wicked: bleh. Too beholden to Wizard of Oz while trying to be separate from it. Just felt too stretched in concept.
King and I: meh. Good story and I love the show within the show. It’s too hard to relate to. Both 19th-century British and Siamese cultures are too foreign.
