CPG, I agree that certain shows grow on you the better you know them and others you like right off the bat. I've found that out seeing the same show day after day when I go to see Eric Kunze perform. Each subsequent night I am catching more and more nuances and by the end of the run I'm totally sold. Evita was that way for me. Some musicals are more lyric driven and it helps to be familiar with the lyrics before seeing the show.

In fairness to Next to Normal and other new musicals, it is obviously much easier to remember what you just heard when you see a revival such as South Pacific, since the music is already familiar to you.
Thanks for the kind words, Maggi.

I understand what you're saying Howard, but honestly, don't you think the original audiences went out of the first performances of South Pacific humming those tunes a lot more than any audiences go out of Next to Normal humming them?

One main difference is South Pacific was as much ABOUT the music as it was about the story and songs were written more to be memorable or show stopping than the songs in a show like Next to Normal. I don't think the writers of NtoN have any pretenses about any of their songs becoming classics that will stand on their own for generations. Rogers and Hammerstein actually did.

They are vastly different types of shows. It's hard to get "There is Nothing Like a Dame" or "Some Enchanted Evening" OUT of your head even the first time you might hear them. Not so with "Who Is Crazy/My Psychopharmacologist and I".

"Memphis" really good, amazing talent, fun music. I wish more people would see it. I still get discount offers everyday, so the show is not soldout.

Loved "Next to Normal," but couldn't exactly remember the music like I did with "South Pacific." I wish I could convince my crowd to see "Finian's Rainbow." Bought tickets for "A Little Night Music" (nearly sold out and now tickets are showing up at ebay) and "Wishful Drinking." Still battling with family members whether to see "In the Next Room or vibrator play" or "Race."

Any opinions on "In the Next Room..." or "Race?"

Nena - see my post above about 'In the Next Room.'

Howard - I couldn't hum or remember ANY music from NtN, Spring Awakening or Passing Strange for example. The first time I saw Man of LaMancha I remembered the music. It's not only familiarity, but the type of music imo.

CPK, I can't remember any music from Spring Awakening or Passing strange either, but every time I get stuck in traffic with a whole lot of loud noise and horn blowing, I'm instantly transported to the music of Passing Strange. LOL

But I liked Passing Strange; it's just that for me the music is not memorable - that sums it up. Is it generational? Us, the music? Gershwin is memorable, but Stew is not. Hmmmmm.

Patrick, I pretty much agree with you, but my point is that, of course, anyone seeing South Pacific TODAY will certainly know the music even before he/she steps into the theater! From that point of view, the comparison with any new show isn't fair. And believe me, I am NOT a particular fan of Next to Normal. But, fair is fair.

Oh, I can't believe I did that. I was trying so hard to "make a funny" that I said Passing Strange when I meant Spring Awakening. I rather enjoyed Passing Strange as well, with a real variety of types of music. It was Spring Awakening that seemed like so much noise and screaming!

Just goes to show you, as many have said....as much as I did not like the show, Spring Awakening, I loved the music. I'm the one who loves Next to Normal. Yet, on our way home from seeing NtoN, not one of us could remember one tune. I agree, they're not either memorable, or perhaps, singable. Though, what's wrong with "My psychopharmacologist and I" :) Spring Awakening and NtoN have very different harmonies and chord structures than South Pacific, for example. They are more strident, more minor-key, more, painful, really. Now, even though I'm reading what you're saying, I have no desire to see Finian's Rainbow. Maybe it's cause of my age. I remember when the original came out. I didn't like the music then, and don't expect to like it now. I hope to see A Little Night Music (I am not a New Yorker) but wonder if I'll be able to get tix when I visit next.Here in Boston, we have a radio show every weekend, "Standing Room Only." (And, even though I'm from Boston, I hope I can continue) There is one song they love to play-"A Weekend in the Country." I know it's from "A Little Night Music" but I have no idea what the song is about and have always wanted to see this show to find out!

"There is one song they love to play-"A Weekend in the Country." I know it's from "A Little Night Music" but I have no idea what the song is about."

OK Sixgirl, here's a spoiler. Are you ready? The song is about a weekend in the country.

Oh come on, Neo. There are at least 3 unidentifiable buy interchangeble-sounding female voices, 2 different male voices-they don't want to go, they do want to go, "oh no!" "do we have to?-some do want to accept the invitation in spite of considering it an insult. what gives hehe

<< I have no desire to see Finian's Rainbow. Maybe it's cause of my age. I remember when the original came out. I didn't like the music then, and don't expect to like it now.>>

soxgirl - the original was in 1947. Almost 63 years later, you might like the music! Since you must have been very young then, maybe your tastes have changed.

I stand corrected. I was referring to the 1968 film version, as I was a negative age in '47! Films are not plays, and I hear your suggestion. Okay, my mind is open.

An open mind is a good thing (I keep reminding myself!).

CPG, did you ever see "Superior Donuts"? I'm seeing it this week.

I hadn't heard of that - sounds interesting. Thanks for the review!

mclaurie, CPG mentioned she saw Superior Donuts in this post from Dec 8: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...omment-6101722

yk - thanks.

mclaurie - let's hear what you think after you see it.

Next up - 'Rag Time' on Sunday