Last night, I treated myself to a rare luxury: uninterrupted movie viewing time. Of course, with my hubby on the opposite coast, this did free up some much needed quiet time! So I selected a flick I’d never get him to sit through: Burlesque. I’ve always admired Cher’s talent and free spirit, so this movie seemed just the ticket. I loved it! The critics seemed to ignore it, but I thought it was uplifting and enjoyable. So now, here are my top thirteen musicals of the cinema and stage.
1. Grease – my all-time favorite movie musical. Who can forget John Travolta’s blend of swagger and sweetness as Danny Zuko? Go Greased Lightin’!
2. Wicked – perhaps its because I have my own set of flying monkeys…I adore Elpheba’s story.
3. Phantom of the Opera – the only fault I found with this was that Gerard Butler was so hot as the Phantom, I was rooting against the hero. Trust me, the mask is not a deal-breaker!
4. Chicago – loved Richard Gere’s Billy Flynn…he was robbed of an Oscar nomination. Love this slightly wicked tale!
5. Mama Mia! I love the music of Abba, Meryl Streep’s spirited performance…the songs are joyous and infectious!
6. Cats – classic music and the poems of T.S. Eliot…what could be more intriguing?
7. Saturday Night Fever – while not a true musical, John Travolta’s breakthrough performance as Tony Manero and a memorable soundtrack make this a classic for lovers of music, dance, and a young, hot Travolta.
8. Burlesque – sure, this movie brings out every old movie musical cliche, but the music and sweet romance between the aspiring singer and her hunky bartender friend (with principals, no less!) won me over.
9. The Lion King – awe-inspiring music and magical scenery.
10. Moulin Rouge – spectacular music, imagery and performances.
11. Tommy – Pinball Wizard was a classic from Elton John in his Captain Fantastic era.
12. Cabaret – dark and haunting with intense performances.
13. Beauty and the Beast – an entertaining, visually mesmerizing fairy tale.
There they are, my top thirteen musicals. Yes, I left off The Sound of Music. Honestly, the World War II era Partridge family was not my cup of tea. On the other hand, I was sorely tempted to include A Hard Day’s Night…if only this were a Friday Fourteen! What are your favorite musicals? I’d love to learn your favorites…time to stock up my DVD rental queue.
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Totally agree about Gerard Butler’s Phantom! He turned that mask into a sex toy!!!
Swannie
I, too, was surprised by Burlesque. My hubby sat through it & admitted that he liked it. Grease is always at the top of my list. As is the Gerard Butler version of Phantom. Mamma Mia was much better than I expected it to be. I’m adding the rest to my DVD queue since I haven’t seen them. I tried Sound of Music and West Side Story one time. I missed what was so special about them, I guess. Thanks for the suggestions:)
Kimberly,
I’m with you…didn’t feel the love for The Sound of Music or West Side Story, although I really did like the old musical Singing in the Rain.