Pop Culture Podcast
Popspotting #168: “Favorite Musicals” (Nov. 23, 2011)
Music is once again the focus of Wildcard Wednesday, but thanks to a suggestion from Daniel in Boston, there’s a twist: He challenges us to name our favorite Broadway shows. While we’re not experts in the world of musicals, we do love showtunes, and give the topic our best shot. A lot of obvious picks, perhaps, but with stories that illustrate why we feel a personal connection to each.
Do you know Broadway? Are you embarrassed for us, choosing such pedestrian fare? Well, we urge you to enlighten us! We probably won’t make it out to New York or London any time soon, but we’d still love to know what shows you think we need to know.
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Jen and Ryan,
I love your show. You
guys never cease to amaze me on your knowledge of pop culture. I really enjoyed your show on Broadway
musicals.
For two people who claim not to be experts, you certainly know your Broadway
musicals! I, too, have always had a great love for Broadway
musicals. It all started for me in 1975 when my mother took me to see
Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway. That same year, I saw Led Zeppelin in
concert and for the past 35+ years I’ve been immersed in rock and roll, going
to concerts and collecting music (first on LPs, then cassettes, then CDs and
now digitally). But I’ve always also
loved Broadway musicals. I’ve been lucky
over the years to see some great shows, and the last few years, my wife and I
have had season tickets to the Broadway series here in Richmond, Virginia.Â
Les Miz is my all time favorite. I’ve seen it a handful of times and never
tire of it. For many years when our kids
were young we used to drive to the Outer Banks in North Carolina for family
vacations. The drive took about 3 hours
and I would always play Les Miz for the ride there. I would press ‘play’ when we left our
driveway and it would end just about the time we were crossing the intercoastal
waterway into Kitty Hawk. When the kids
were very young, there are a few parts that we used to lower the volume
(prostitutes, child deaths), but they grew up knowing the music and I’m glad we
exposed them to it.
Some other favorites that I’ve seen over the years are
Phantom, Chicago, Wicked, Rent, Beatlemania, Tommy, Avenue Q, and of course
Jesus Christ Superstar. The Jesus Christ
Superstar soundtrack is one I’ve listened to pretty consistently over the
years. It’s a great rock and roll album.
Last December we saw the wonderful duo of Kristen Chenoweth and
Sean Hayes in Promise, Promises, which was really amazing. This summer we saw Jersey Boys and it blew me
away. I didn’t realize how many Frankie
Valli and the Four Seasons songs I knew!Â
And loved! Great stuff. That’s another soundtrack that I’ve been
listening to pretty regularly.
I’ve never seen Miss Saigon, but I love the soundtrack.  I hear it’s playing in Philadelphia and am
considering going to see it there. I’m
looking forward to seeing South Pacific next weekend here in Virginia, especially
after visiting Kauai and spending time in and around Hanalei Bay. As a matter of fact, we’re going to watch the
movie this weekend to re-familiarize ourselves with the music.
One last note:Â About
10 years ago we saw Cats on Broadway and we were in the minority in that we
didn’t think it was that great. We even
fell asleep! Oh well, either we were
just WAY TOO tired that day or it just didn’t grab us.
Keep up the great work, I love the show!
Best Regards,
Mike R.
Mike.in.VA@Comcast.net
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