You know, this thread could have worked if you stopped dragging it around in circles. (This is not to one specific person, but to everyone, maybe even including me, who derailed it as soon as it started to get somewhere.) Really, this could be an interesting topic, as it seems there are both pro- and anti-musical people posting here.
Inspired by this thread, and a sense of "Perhaps I'll be able to appreciate musicals more now that I've gotten a bit older and gotten into some more music", I actually rented West Side Story last night, and watched the whole thing.
To put it simply, it was a painful experience.
As a fan of musicals, most people are confused when I say this, but I actually don't really care about West Side Story. I never really was a fan of Romeo and Juliet or any story like that and putting it in a different era and adding songs didn't really make it any better. "I Feel Pretty" is one of the few songs I like, but this may be because I think it can be funny.
I hate to make a list, but I'm going to anyways so I can say which musicals I do and don't like (that I have personally seen or performed) that won't take a really long time to read:
Barnum - did this freshman year of high school. Though it was fun to be in, it's kind of boring. I was a clown and got to goof off, so this is the only reason I enjoyed it. The songs are ok, but not spectacular.
My Fair Lady - both saw and performed this. Overall, I really enjoy this musical. I like the songs and I think it's fun.
Guys and Dolls - I hate this musical. I hated being in it even more.
The Music Man - same thoughts as My Fair Lady. Fun to be in and fun to watch.
Phantom of the Opera - Beautiful music, especially Music of the Night. It has some eh moments, but overall I really like it. The movie version sucks hardcore though. They should have gotten better singers.
Pirates of Penzance - It is made of Awesome, even if it is an operetta.
Cinderella - Even though when I saw this Cinderella had a very obvious and highly annoying lisp...well, wait. This musical sucks, I hate it. The girl who played Cinderella just made me hate it even more.
Les Miserables - Beautiful story and music.
Victor Victoria - Fun musical about cross dressers. What's not to like?
Fiddler on the Roof - Another fun, enjoyable musical.
The Scarlet Pimpernel - Very funny. It's like Pirates of Penzance but without the pirates and more French revolution. So like Les Miz but funny, or something. I dunno. But I liked this one a lot.
The Wizard of Oz - I don't get how people don't like this musical.
The Sound of Music - See above.
Mamma Mia! - I happened to enjoy this musical. If you don't like ABBA, I can see why it'd be annoying, but it's still a funny musical. I mean, there's a scene where guys in wetsuits and flippers are dancing around on stage.
The Lion King - Pretty cool musical. If you like the Disney movie, you'd probably like this musical. Also the costumes are really cool.
Cats - I really like the music and the costumes. The story itself is somewhat dry, but everything else I really enjoy.
Bye, Bye Birdie - Eh. It's ok. It's better than some musicals and has its fun moments, but Birdie annoys me. A lot.
Peter Pan - I prefer this as a play, to be honest.
Those are the ones I remember right now. I may or may not have seen more, I just need to remember them.
