Compilation musicals

Tom wrote:

Taken from The Sentinel 09/04/2008

Before Oklahoma!, musicals strung unrelated songs together with a flimsy plot.

Tom, your Oklahoma review made me think we're going full circle, personally I hate the trend for new musicals like the Take that musical or even Mama Mia that just take a handful of pop songs and string them together to make a 'musical'. I like songs that carry the story and are part of the thread, rather than just, 'Oh it's time we had a song here'
What do you think?

ianb wrote:

Tom wrote:

Taken from The Sentinel 09/04/2008

Before Oklahoma!, musicals strung unrelated songs together with a flimsy plot.

Tom, your Oklahoma review made me think we're going full circle, personally I hate the trend for new musicals like the Take that musical or even Mama Mia that just take a handful of pop songs and string them together to make a 'musical'. I like songs that carry the story and are part of the thread, rather than just, 'Oh it's time we had a song here'
What do you think?

I think the important thing to remember is the show selection is important, many classic musicals of old arn't performed regulary. Some for good reason!! However the same applies today as did many years ago. Many shows are written poorley and as you point out with awfull songs. On the other hand there are many new-ish shows such as Parade, Little Women, The Producers and many more that we can easily hum a lyrical tune.

For me there are two main issues. In today's climate bums on seats and money are all important to local groups and i feel sometimes shows such as We Will Rock You and Boogie Nights will be at the top of the choice list due to the money making lure.

For me the second is that i can't see may local groups performing sondheim, G&S or ever shows as Titanic or The Scarlet Pimperell.

Are we to be the bridge between Oklahoma, Carousel, My Fair Lady and Fame, Little Shop Of Horrors and others.

p.s - On a defensive note. I worked Mama-Mia in London for 6 months and i'll tell you now it was the most invigorating 6 months of my life. Still, i know what you meen

Open for debate!!!!!!!!!!