What is your idea of the quintessential American musical?

Great question. For me, to be defined as the quintessential American musical, it should contain all the specific elements that go back to the roots of musical theatre: music (obviously), dance, comedy, romance--and then, on top of that, have a not just an American subject matter but have an OUTLOOK which (even if oversimplified) can be described as essentially American: optimistic, energetic, forward-looking, individualistic but still with a strong sense of community, ultimately upbeat and infectious while at the same time a little naive--a show that feels like it could ONLY be an American musical, and an American musical-COMEDY at that. And, one whose style and music and very world-view have become part of the culture, to the point where you feel like you know the show even if it's the first time you've ever seen it. Quintessential also doesn't mean Best, either--just....quintessential...

Not all Sondheim qualifies, nor indeed does all Bernstein; Rodgers & Hammerstein come closest in my view in terms of their overall body of work, and perhaps "Oklahoma" would top the list. For individual shows, though... "Guys & Dolls" and "Gypsy" are great choices--as is "Annie Get Your Gun". But may I suggest: "The Music Man" by Meredith Willson?

You're humming it right now, aren't you?

Gotta preface this by saying that I've never really been a Musical Comedy kind of guy. Perhaps that's because my OWN "singing" ability is nil.

That said...one of the first jobs I ever had as a High School kid was as an usher at the Shubert Theatre in Century City, CA (when it still existed!). I got to see Zero Mostel perform in "Fiddler on the Roof" for an entire month, and really came to appreciate what a lovely show it was...and what a whirlwind of an actor HE was!

I was still at the Shubert when "A Chorus Line" opened. Also fantastic.

But, for whatever reason, Sondheim's stuff makes the greatest impression on me, and my all-time favorite is "Sweeny Todd." Lordy. If someone would cast me in THAT role, I'd by-God LEARN to sing!

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For me, I have to admit that "Oklahoma!" defines the American musical. Its' fusion of varied dance styles, dream sequences, and classic American character types really typifies America on the musical stage.

Although it is perhaps a little stale now, when "Oklahoma!" first hit the stage, it was quite revolutionary and changed the way Americans experience musical theatre. Instead of disconnected musical numbers, the audience was taken on a ride through a story complemented by song and dance.

This development has changed the face of musical theatre, seen in some of the biggest blockbusters of today, from "Into the Woods" to "Wicked." Without "Oklahoma," American musical theatre would, in my opinion be a much different beast.

eugh, i had to act in gypsy... i was a newsboy, cuz i'm short. T.T

*sigh* there are so many:

wicked

west side story

rent (though it's more of an opera)

sound of music

fiddler on the roof

singin' in the rain

hairspray

chicago

my fair lady

cinderella

hello, dolly!

i think that's it...

Hair

I absolutely HATE musicals.

I can't stand them...

I would rather eat hot greasy french fries at a fast food restaurant than sit through a musical.

O K L A H O M A. Oklahoma.

I would say "Oklahoma", "Show Boat" and "West Side Story" would be my picks.

Sondheim's "Into the Woods"

"...You're so nice. You're not good, you're not right, you're just nice..."