........I have been a member of my local Operatic Society for nearly fifty years, I retired from performing many years ago but as I was honoured with a L:ife Membership I like to keep in touch when I can which these days is not as often as I would like,. During the lockdown the members have taken to the internet to organise quiz nights and concerts and this week there is even a disco. To keep us further entertained one very clever young man organised a poll to find the member's most popular musical. As you know I have sturggled with keeping this blog going, I can only marvel at the amoount of effort it took. You can find all the entries on Alex's blog
Alex Writes Stuff here which, incidentally, is usually dedicated to some entertaining and interesting book reviews.(I told you he was clever).
Three of mine didn't make it into the top 100, definitely an age thing I think because I had not heard of a couple of shows that did, I remarked that it would be interesting to repeat it in 10 years time with the same members.
It was really hard to chose and took me a few days but it was great fun and brought back many magical moments in the theatre, interesting that none of the shows I have performed in or worked on made my list.
So finally my Top 10 with reasons and favourite song.
Crazy for You –
Good all round but the best Act 1 finale of any show I’ve seen. Favourite song
= I’ve got rythmn
Me and My Girl –
Same again good all round . Nostalgia, comedy, romance and a touch of the Cinderella’s. = Once you lose your heart.
A Chorus Line –
Original West End version, no interval and I’ll swear I didn’t breathe for the
last ten minutes or so. Definitely not
the film version = One
Merrily We Roll Along
= not the travesty at the Menier
Chocolate Factory a few years back. – Old Friends
Follies – It was difficult to chose when it came to
Sondheim –Beautiful girls.
Into the Wood - not the film = Witches lament (Children
will listen)
Salad Days - Sweet
taste from the past.
Memories of seeing the original
in London in the ‘50s and of our production at the Hall. = We said we wouldn’t
look back
La Cage aux Folles - Have loved every production I have seen ,
from the original West End with a wonderful George Hern to John Barrowman a few
years back . I have long wished that the Society would give it a go = A little
more mascara.
Jersey Boys- love
the songs and it was so well constructed. = Who loves you Pretty Baby
Nine- Again not
the film which was truly dreadful. Loved
working with the Youth theatre on this but would love to see an adult
production at the Hall. – My husband makes moves/the Grand Canal segue Every
Girl in Venice.
Well there you go, not sure they are in perfect order. Some people who know me will be surprised
not to see Hamilton or Wicked on the list but they would definitely have
been in the next ten.