We are all familiar with the likes of Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon for example – but what about those equally good and deserve to be seen more often? Here’s some of Love London Love Culture’s favourites.
1. Vanities: the Musical – first seen Off-Broadway in 2009, this light and bubbly musical about three childhood friends growing up was seen at the Trafalgar Studios last year, but certainly deserves to be seen a lot more in the future because it is heartwarming but honest. Think Legally Blonde.
2. Grey Gardens: based on the documentary of the same name and featuring music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie, the musical tells the true story of the rise and fall of Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale (“Big Edie”) and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale – Jacqueline Kennedy’s aunt and cousin. It is utterly heartbreaking to listen to and watch.
3. Allegro: this little known or performed Rodgers and Hammerstein deserves to be seen on stage a lot more – even if perhaps the songs (naturally) are a lot stronger than the plot, which follows the life of Joseph Taylor Jr. from the moment of his birth to his 35th birthday. It was the third collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein and showcases their strengths as creators of some of the most memorable musicals.
4. State Fair: after watching the London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s concert performance and listening to the wonderful score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, it seems only fair that this musical should get a full production in London.
5. Death Takes Holiday: having being revived at the Charing Cross Theatre, Maury Yeston’s musical might be slightly quirky and unbelievable in terms of the plot, but the music is exquisitely delicate and enchanting to listen to and overall it is a musical that is worth seeing on the London stage again in the future.