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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 17:50:04 GMT
A friend of mine refuses to come to a musical with me, he says he goes all hot and blushes when people start singing haha  . So, which musical would you recommend for a person who doesn’t do musicals? I think its got to be something thats either total comedy where the music is secondary to the humour, or a story with a really strong narrative where the music is secondary to the story. So, I would go for: Xanadu (it would be one miserable bee-hatch who couldn’t see the fun in this) The Producers (hoping this will be surpassed by YF when I see it soon) Parade (heartbreaking and themes still relevant) Sweeney Todd (thrilling and scary, if done well). |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 17:59:43 GMT
Book of Mormon
Avenue Q
Personally i wouldnt say Parade or Sweeney Todd
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 18:01:08 GMT
So, which musical would you recommend for a person who doesn’t do musicals? The best musical you can find, whatever it may be. Quality is quality. |
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Post by Tibidabo on Oct 16, 2017 18:03:01 GMT
First thing that came to mind - if you are coming to London. He definitely won't even realise they're singing - he'll be laughing too much. |
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Post by daniel on Oct 16, 2017 18:03:08 GMT
The Lion King I would say is the number one musical for people who don't do musicals.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 18:03:50 GMT
Well if he keeps going hot and blushes, why not take him to Menopause, the Musical? He’ll feel at home if nothing else.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 18:04:25 GMT
Rocky Horror seems to attract an abundance of non-musical lovers. Cheese, tongue-in-cheek humour and a foot tapping soundtrack.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 18:06:27 GMT
(hoping this will be surpassed by YF when I see it soon) That would be an astonishing turn of events. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 18:10:38 GMT
First thing that came to mind - if you are coming to London. He definitely won't even realise they're singing - he'll be laughing too much. I barely cracked a smile. And the one I did crack was when the curtain came down. (Do NOT get me started on BoM!  ) |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 18:17:12 GMT
So, which musical would you recommend for a person who doesn’t do musicals? The best musical you can find, whatever it may be. Quality is quality. Cop out! Name names! |
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Post by Tibidabo on Oct 16, 2017 18:20:46 GMT
I barely cracked a smile. And the one I did crack was when the curtain came down. (Do NOT get me started on BoM! ) Oh. I know it's rare, but I have no answer to that!🔧🔧 What's YF? |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 18:35:27 GMT
I barely cracked a smile. And the one I did crack was when the curtain came down. (Do NOT get me started on BoM! ) Oh. I know it's rare, but I have no answer to that!🔧🔧 What's YF? Young Frankenstein Tibby-doo. Keep up! |
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Post by Mark on Oct 16, 2017 18:49:17 GMT
Definitely Book of Mormon..
Of the shows currently in London, Toxic Avenger and Young Frankenstein also fit the bill.
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Post by theatremadness on Oct 16, 2017 18:51:47 GMT
Ross Noble has said that Young Frankenstein is a musical for people who don't like musicals so that could be an idea, indeed. The songs are quite 'Broadway' style but they aren't the be all and end all of the show, they just hugely enhance the comedy - which is what the show is about. Wouldn't recommend Parade or Sweeney or those types (as incredible as they are), but they require the audience to very much take in some sometimes complicated music which can quite often contain lots of narrative information which, for someone who doesn't like musicals, may be a turn off.
How about something like Dreamgirls? Great atmosphere and lots of the songs are sung by the Dreams or 'performers' within the show, so it's more like a concert within a show and less 'breaking out into song' than your average musical. Mamma Mia? Good chance he may already know lots of the songs so can enjoy recognisable music being at the forefront as the story isn't that important...! Same could be said of Motown too, I suppose, those I've not seen it.
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 16, 2017 19:19:09 GMT
I agree on Avenue Q or The Producers - if they're laughing, they might forget the cast are singing 😁
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 19:27:29 GMT
I agree on Avenue Q or The Producers - if they're laughing, they might forget the cast are singing 😁 Now all we need is a time machine to take us back to 2004. |
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 16, 2017 19:30:46 GMT
I agree on Avenue Q or The Producers - if they're laughing, they might forget the cast are singing 😁 Now all we need is a time machine to take us back to 2004. Idina won her Tony for Wicked, there are worse years to travel back to! 😉 |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 19:32:24 GMT
I agree on Avenue Q or The Producers - if they're laughing, they might forget the cast are singing 😁 Now all we need is a time machine to take us back to 2004. And your suggestions are.....? 🙂 |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 19:36:50 GMT
I didnt think much of BOM either, but its the only show i know of where complete non theatregoers (especially non musical fans) have gone to and enjoyed
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 19:41:21 GMT
Now all we need is a time machine to take us back to 2004. And your suggestions are.....? 🙂 My suggestion is simply not to pander, and to share something you genuinely love yourself (I can't speak for your personal tastes), rather than something you know has weaknesses, but may think a bit more "accessible" to newcomers. I am basically at the opposite end of the spectrum to Theatremadness and would take a friend to a quality production of Sweeney or Parade (in my time machine) at the drop of a hat, and would steer well clear of Dreamgirls. Actually did take a friend to the Staunton/Ball Sweeney, and a good time was had by all. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 16, 2017 19:44:06 GMT
Bless you for joining in! (and agreeing with me).
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 16, 2017 19:55:39 GMT
And your suggestions are.....? 🙂 My suggestion is simply not to pander, and to share something you genuinely love yourself (I can't speak for your personal tastes), rather than something you know has weaknesses, but may think a bit more "accessible" to newcomers. I am basically at the opposite end of the spectrum to Theatremadness and would take a friend to a quality production of Sweeney or Parade (in my time machine) at the drop of a hat, and would steer well clear of Dreamgirls. Actually did take a friend to the Staunton/Ball Sweeney, and a good time was had by all. Fair enough. But the question was about accessibility for people who don't normally like musicals. And I didn't quote either Avenue Q or The Producers because they're easy options or have any perceived weaknesses, I just think they're both brilliant! |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2017 20:00:56 GMT
And I didn't quote either Avenue Q or The Producers because they're easy options or have any perceived weaknesses, I just think they're both brilliant Oh, you don't have to get all defensive about it, Rod. |
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Post by danb on Oct 16, 2017 20:21:57 GMT
I didnt think much of BOM either, but its the only show i know of where complete non theatregoers (especially non musical fans) have gone to and enjoyed My then 15 year old son loved it having vowed never to set foot in a musical. |
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Post by robertb213 on Oct 16, 2017 20:31:10 GMT
Oh, you don't have to get all defensive about it, Rod. How very dare you, I have never ironed underwear in my life! 😁 |
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