Over the weekend, I went to see a production of Fiddler on the Roof here in Spartanburg. While amateur theater—and amateur musical theater in particular—can often try one’s patience, I actually had a pretty good time.

The thing is, I generally loathe musicals. Singing, dancing, facile story lines ... I just can’t get into them. But a lot of people love the things. And even I have a soft spot for a few movie musicals—Moulin Rouge, for instance—that keeps me from seeing the subject in terms of black and white.

So what do you think? Musicals: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

“Who loves musical theatre?” Is this another one of those “Are you gay?” things in disguise?

Steve Shanafelt - 24 March 2009 10:07 AM

Over the weekend, I went to see a production of Fiddler on the Roof here in Spartanburg. While amateur theater—and amateur musical theater in particular—can often try one’s patience, I actually had a pretty good time.

The thing is, I generally loathe musicals. Singing, dancing, facile story lines ... I just can’t get into them. But a lot of people love the things. And even I have a soft spot for a few movie musicals—Moulin Rouge, for instance—that keeps me from seeing the subject in terms of black and white.

So what do you think? Musicals: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

I don’t love them in general.  If I want to see musical in a theater like setting I’d be more apt to see an opera.  I do also love Moulin Rouge and West Side Story.

Although I was once cast as Yente - I prefer non-Rogers & Hammerstein type of musicals.

I tend to steer towards darker psychology musicals - like Sondheim’s style -

I think any Asheville folks who enjoy dark-comedy musicals would really get a kick out of the UNC-A Theatre upcoming production of Urinetown - Apr 22-26

Urinetown, The Musical by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollmann. “This show depicts a world wracked by ecological disaster, caught in the throes of corporate greed, and ultimately felled by the best intentions. In a Gotham-like city, a depletion of the earth’s water supply has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The privilege to pee is regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero has risen who will lead them to freedom. This musical has ties to sociology, political science, music, environmental sciences and it is just fun.
It is directed by Rob Bowen - my dad - but also a good director with a great eye.

Ken Hanke - 24 March 2009 10:28 AM

“Who loves musical theatre?” Is this another one of those “Are you gay?” things in disguise?

That wasn’t really my intention, of course, but I guess it could be used as evidence for such a claim. That said, I’ve had a lot of actor friends in my time, and many of those who weren’t gay also had a love for musical theater.

It’s actually kind of a macho thing in some ways, because it’s physically demanding work to sing and dance under hot lights for hours at a time.

Next up on the fourms: Who loves interior design and the latest trends in haute couture?

I am a fan of Gilbert & Sullivan (tho their music more than the actual theater part).

I’ve always loved ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.... I was fascinated by it as a kid attending a christian school and now as an atheist adult I can still get lost in it…

I prefer Mr. Show’s reimagined performance of “Jeepers Creepers” with 90s slackers instead of 60s hippies.

This is not a particularly good version of this tune..Natalie Wood lip singing and all.. But Bernsteins score is one of the hallmarks of modern musicals..I wish he would have written 20 more but he wanted to be taken seriously..check out the great melodies being put together like a beautiful puzzle..