Posted by ContinentalNettle 2013-01-10 14:44:39
We've all seen the thread for most overrated musical, so this is the thread for the other end of the discussion! What are your most underrated musicals or underrated songs from musicals?
For me personally it's; Blood Brothers, The Boyfriend and Whistle Down the Wind.What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by SonofRobbieJ 2013-01-10 14:49:15
SHE LOVES ME.
The perfect meringue of a musical.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by madbrian 2013-01-10 14:52:16
1776. It has its supporters on this board, but it's still underrated.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by SonofRobbieJ 2013-01-10 14:54:59
That's actually my favorite musical of all-time.
Another underrated show? THE BAKER'S WIFE. I know people have major problems with the book, but I've seen worse books win Tonys.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by JBroadway 2013-01-10 15:01:09
The Story Of My Life. One of my absolute favorite musicals, but very few people have heard of and it ran only 5 real performances on Broadway.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by GlindatheGood22 2013-01-10 16:45:27
Caroline, or Change.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by undercoveractor 2013-01-10 16:55:08
For me this would be the LaChiusa WILD PARTY, VIOLET, and THE SECRET GARDEN.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by jasonf 2013-01-10 17:23:27
I second 1776. It's one of my absolute favorite shows, and more, one of my top five all time favorite movies - yet even I forget to name it sometimes when naming favorites.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by ratherbewhaling 2013-01-10 17:26:25
Pacific Overtures
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by newintown 2013-01-10 17:27:40
I'm one of those few people who think both the original books and scores to both Anyone Can Whistle and Follies are brilliant.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by PTOPhan 2013-01-10 17:43:00
I, too, love 1776, both the stage show and the movie. I love Martha Jefferson's song about how her husband relaxes by playing the violin. I also love that they didn't shy away from the slavery issue, as some productions about the Revolution do (e.g., Mel Gibson's movie, which I think was called "The Patriots.")
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Kelly2 2013-01-10 17:59:28
I think Bat Boy gets way less love than it should, wish it would've transferred to Broadway. I agree with 1776 too. Lovely, lovely show, wish I could've seen the production at Asolo Rep this past December.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by chewy5000 2013-01-10 19:04:12
Contact
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by RaisedOnMusicals 2013-01-10 19:08:38
I agree about 1776. I would also throw Sunset Boulevard out for consideration, and my wife asked me to mention Aspects of Love.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Jay Lerner-Z 2013-01-10 19:09:57
Wonderful Town
P.S. I've never heard of What...who composed it?
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by kieranbec 2013-01-10 19:48:42
The Pirate Queen.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by CarlosAlberto 2013-01-10 19:52:47
GYPSY. Yup, GYPSY. Mmm hmm, yes....GYPSY.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by someone.else's.story2 2013-01-10 20:01:19
Blood Brothers (though it was well loved in London)
Wild Party (LaChuisa)
Passion
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by CarlosAlberto 2013-01-10 20:03:16
PROMESAS, PROMESAS basada en el guion original, "El Apartamento" de Billy Wilder y I.A.L. Diamond.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Corine2 2013-01-10 20:10:15
Millie, The Last Five Years. Loved both.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Mister Matt 2013-01-10 20:14:36
Violet
Saw it in Chicago three times. This show should be produced everywhere all the time.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by beautywickedlover 2013-01-10 20:44:03
I know that there's going to be a lot of people who will disagree with me, but I think it's 'Shrek the Musical'.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by justoldbill 2013-01-10 22:40:44
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. It seems like everyone who never saw the show wonders how it could have won the Tony over FOLLIES.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by bundy5000 2013-01-10 22:48:03
Finian's Rainbow
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by emida 2013-01-10 22:54:12
I'd say Assassins or Anyone Can Whistle.
Another one that I love and that I feel is underappreciated is Little Women.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by After Eight 2013-01-10 23:00:52
The Student Gypsy
Georgy
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Idiot 2013-01-10 23:32:01
Egads, Amarillith. I've actually never seen 1776. Now I have to.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by henrikegerman 2013-01-10 23:44:52
She Loves Me is a much loved show that should be a much better loved one.
But If we are talking about a show that few people seem to like that I personally think is a very good show, it would be Triumph of Love.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by CHOOKA2 2013-01-11 04:58:24
Robert and Elizabeth--a glorious score.
Did it ever find an American audience? Very popular in England and Australia.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by tazber 2013-01-11 06:18:29
The Apple Tree
The Happy Time
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Sugar
Romance in Hard Times
Parade
City of Angels
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by JayG 2 2013-01-11 08:07:01
1776 is hardly underrated (It ran for years with no movie or soap stars and won a bunch of Tonys)... maybe underrated by people who know little about musical theater, but it is one of the best, mot perfect shows ever written.
Under appreciated shows:
Sugar
Little Me
King of Hearts
The Happy Time
110 in the Shade
and
Rockabye Hamlet (yes, and I am not delusional. It was the forerunner of Rent, Spring Awakening and their ilk and had a genius director at the helm to boot.)
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by best12bars 2013-01-11 08:37:14
Recent additions for me:
Ragtime
Drowsy Chaperone
Grey Gardens
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by JohnyBroadway 2013-01-11 09:28:26
Little Women
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by little_sally 2013-01-11 09:41:11
Caroline, or Change
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Mister Matt 2013-01-11 11:05:21
TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. It seems like everyone who never saw the show wonders how it could have won the Tony over FOLLIES.
Agreed. I absolutely ADORE that show. The production at the Delcorte was one of my favorite theatre experiences in NYC ever.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Phillytheatreguy10 2013-01-11 11:41:38
City of Angels, Follies, Secrect Garden, and Grey Gardens all make my list! Jane Eyre is my new contribution!
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Outoftowner2 2013-01-11 12:10:08
I agree with Ragtime. I think it's brilliant, such an American story and the music is incredible. I wish it was still on Broadway in its original form.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by metropolis10111 2013-01-11 13:33:02
I think it's strange to see Follies in a thread like this because there are SO many fans how can they be underrated? Saying Follies is underrated is like saying Annie is underrated. I begin to think sometimes for them there was no theater before Sondheim and there will be none when he is finally dead.
On the topic... I think a show that is oddly underrated is ShowBoat. I think that people just think of the main songs and call it a day. In it's full form it really is quite an amazing piece of theatre. It has one of the most beautiful and complex score ever written for the stage. I feel that people think of it as this tired period piece, but it's still a very relevant story.
Lizzy Borden is a piece I long to see on Off Broadway. Its score is tuneful yet complex with some great tension.
I have a soft spot for Brigadoon, but know the books needs a bit of work. The score sparkles though
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by ErinDillyFan 2013-01-11 13:43:29
The Baker's Wife
With honorable mention:
Parade (JRB not Jerry Herman)
The Wild Party (Lippa)
One Touch of Venus
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by BroadwayShowTime 2013-01-11 13:55:01
The Scottsboro Boys
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Nettik 2013-01-11 17:01:48
Passion
Assassins
Violet
Ragtime
Taboo
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by metropolis10111 2013-01-11 20:38:33
Pump Boys and Dinettes ..oh wait.... never mind
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by backwoodsbarbie 2013-01-11 21:16:51
Taboo, it was ahead of its time.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by emida 2013-01-11 21:18:10
I forgot The Apple Tree, Ragtime and The Drowsy Chaperone.
Also, one of my favorite musical based on a movie : The Wedding Singer.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by best12bars 2013-01-11 21:49:14
Follies is the most overrated, underrated, second-rated, first-rate show that never was.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by justoldbill 2013-01-11 22:51:20
Are you referring to FOLLIES or YOUNG FOLLIES?
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by jas1234 2013-01-11 23:02:50
is there life after high school
i can get it for your wholesale
the happy time
70 Girls 70
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by jas1234 2013-01-11 23:02:55
is there life after high school
i can get it for your wholesale
the happy time
70 Girls 70
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by rosscoe(au) 2013-01-11 23:12:56
Smile
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by undercoveractor 2013-01-12 01:23:30
Thank you to all who have mentioned TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, and PACIFIC OVERTURES.
Love all three.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Jordan Catalano 2013-01-12 01:30:36
Some of y'all need to learn the definition of the word "underrated".
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by After Eight 2013-01-12 08:35:28
"I begin to think sometimes for them there was no theater before Sondheim and there will be none when he is finally dead."
You're first beginnng to think that?
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Wynbish 2013-01-12 10:06:07
Phantom of the Country Opera
The Apple Tree
Chess
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by yankeefan7 2013-01-12 16:43:38
"Song and Dance"
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by TheGingerBreadMan 2013-01-12 21:43:31
I agree with SHREK. Also the THE ADDAMS FAMILY.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Broadway Geek2 2013-01-17 08:55:47
Closer Than Ever.
Mack and Mabel.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by forgetmenotnyc 2013-01-17 11:43:55
The Rink
A Man of No Importance
Take Me Along
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by South Fl Marc 2013-01-17 20:44:13
"Full Monty". It didn't get the accolades it deserved because of one of the most overrated musicals - The Producers.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by marcslope 2013-01-18 17:16:40
Juno.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Charley Kringas Inc 2013-03-12 03:53:07
I don't know if it's "of all time" but I think "Applause" is kind of unfairly maligned, at least the score. The lyrics occasionally are kinda weak (though the show's satirical lean fills in a few cracks) but there really aren't any positively bad numbers (maybe a little dull) and several of them are outstanding. Obviously people get upset over it winning the Tony but awards are hardly the end-all be-all signifier of quality and though it's hard to imagine someone other than Lauren Bacall filling the role as well as Lauren Bacall did (her rendition of "Hurry Back", married with that stunning quintessentially-70s arrangement, is magnificent) it really is a great bunch of songs.
edit: yes, including all the slang in "Who's That Girl". Foolry-acky-sacky indeed.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by JayG 2 2013-03-12 07:15:45
God, why do so few of you understanding the concept of underrated? For example, a musical that wins a Tony, runs four years, and becomes a film shown on television EVERY year is NOT UNDERRATED.
Rockabye Hamlet may be underrated.
King of Hearts may be underrated,
Carmelina may be underrated.
BUT NOT 1776!
I'm waiting for you silly people to call The Producers and Book of Mormon underrated. No, folks, that's what you call OVERRATED. Now can someone who knows what he's talking about start this thread again?
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by CarlosAlberto 2013-03-12 07:44:51
I would have to wholeheartedly agree with TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA.
There's a special place in my heart reserved for that show, and when I finally got to see the New York Shakespeare Festival revival at the Delacorte in Central Park I was in sheer heaven watching Renee Elise Goldsberry, Norm Lewis, Rosario Dawson and Oscar Isaac in the leads.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by madbrian 2013-03-12 08:14:41
I don't know that a musical needs to be obscure to be overrated. I'll explain why I think 1776 belongs in the conversation. When asked about all-time great musicals, most people, even 'theater people', don't necessarily blurt out 1776. It's not a star vehicle, and it's not revived all the time. So, while it may not be a hidden gem, I still consider it underrated because, in my opinion, it belongs in a conversation right alongside Gypsy, West Side Story, Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, etc.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by lupone76 2013-03-12 09:25:17
Ragtime, Side Show
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by IronMan 2013-03-12 10:43:55
DO BLACK PATENT LEATHER SHOES REALLY REFLECT UP? - A really charming show with an uneven score, but it plays like gangbusters.
SEESAW- It's just fun, and with a dynamic female lead is really powerful.
SARAFINA! - Probably the most moving, thrilling show I ever saw (the movie version pales in comparison). Don't know if it could ever be done again, though.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by henrikegerman 2013-03-12 12:59:48
Underrated means undervalued. It can relate to a show that was successful but which eluded greater success unjustifiably or it can relate to an absolute flop that we loved, and anything in between that one feels was undervalued.
The confusion - or the source of the supposed confusion - is not about "underrated" but about "most underrated"
The conjunction of a superlative with an abasement begs the ambiguous question of how to measure the relative degree of a perceived injustice.
What "most underrated" means and whether it can apply to successful shows - even very successful ones - that really, really, no I mean REALLY - NO LIE! - should have been much, much!, MUCH! - and when I say much I mean so very much - more successful or only to very, very, VERY! unsuccessful shows that should have been at least moderately successful, or better than JUST moderately successful, is a semantic and epistemological question which may well be beyond caring (and yet I am bored at work and so am going on and on about it....).
Accordingly, I suggest that "most undervalued" be whatever anyone wants it to be.
If someone wants to nominate 1776 or She Loves Me notwithstanding their renown and if others prefer to champion Juno, Chess, Mack and Mabel, Chu Chem or Via Galactica (for example, I am neither endorsing nor condemning any such particular candidate at present) because they were so unfairly unappreciated, then so be it. If others choose famous shows that didn't recoup, and or were robbed of tony or tonys, or didn't last nearly as long as Phantom or Cats (what has?) when it opened the same season as some megahit piece of crap and was so much better, but which nonetheless haS had many revivals and is talked about on bww relentlessly, that's also an option.
All kinds of answers are responsive to the question.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by #1CarrieFan 2013-03-12 20:29:00
Blood Brothers
Side Show
Parade
The Scottsboro Boys
Mystery of Edwin Drood
Jane Erye
Grey Gardens
Ragtime
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by whatever2 2013-03-12 21:15:58
James Joyce's The Dead.
Wildly underrated.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Emma White 2013-03-12 23:16:24
Anyone Can Whistle is up there, for sure.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Stage Door Sally 2013-03-12 23:35:19
Phantom.
No not THAT one, the one by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit. So glad I got to see this rare little gem.
More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_%28musical%29
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Something_next2norml 2013-03-13 20:06:15
chess
calvin Berger
Assains
Passing Strange
Jekyll and Hyde
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by TheGingerBreadMan 2013-03-13 21:47:55
MEMPHIS.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Emma White 2013-03-13 21:51:12
"Phantom.
No not THAT one, the one by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit. So glad I got to see this rare little gem.
More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_%28musical%29"
Doesn't Kristin Chenoweth talk about that musical in her book? I'm going to check now.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Emma White 2013-03-13 21:54:35
Yes, Kristin Chenoweth DID tour with that show.
In German.
I kid you not.
She says it's better than the ALW one, too.
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by Wishing Only Wounds 2013-03-13 22:24:47
'Curtains'
What is the most underrated musical of all time
Posted by goldenboy 2013-03-14 00:28:02
Bonnie and Clyde.
Seesaw.. which had a run but not done much.
