Light In the Piazza sprang to my mind. Women On the Verge has an fantastic opening, but it's only a minute or so and doesn't draw on any musical themes - maybe a more proper term is "prelude"?
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
My top favorites are Gypsy and Carousel (which isn't really an overture but rather sets the entire story with Rodgers glorious Carousel Waltz underscoring the action on stage). The best I've heard recently is the new Hello, Dolly! overture - the accelerating pulse pounding rush of orchestra to land with sublime serenity in the title song is heavenly!
For me, it will always be the auction prologue/chandelier ascent in Phantom of the Opera. It still gives me goosebumps and I've yet to experience anything to rival it.
==> this board is a nest of vipers <==
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene" - Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
Lot666 said: "For me, it will always be the auction prologue/chandelier ascent in Phantom of the Opera. It still gives me goosebumps and I've yet to experience anything to rival it."
I don't particularly like Phantom as a show (or at least, the Broadway production as it stands - the current touring is significantly better) but it is one of my favorite cast albums. I agree completely with this sentiment. That bold organ sound totally gets me in the mood.
My guilty pleasure favorite orchestra is Mamma Mia. For the same reason.
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
Valentina3 said: "Lot666 said: "For me, it will always be the auction prologue/chandelier ascent in Phantom of the Opera. It still gives me goosebumps and I've yet to experience anything to rival it."
I don't particularly like Phantom as a show (or at least, the Broadway production as it stands - the current touring is significantly better)"
My reaction to the current "reimagined" U.S. tour was exactly the opposite; I found it terribly disappointing. I purchased advance tickets for two different nights and after the first performance I immediately regretted having already spent my money on a second show.
==> this board is a nest of vipers <==
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene" - Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
^Lot666 - that's interesting. There's certainly some bum moments* in there, but I think overall it did a better job of keeping me engaged.
* - Masquerade scene in particular made me roll my eyes hard because of its simplicity. WHY would you take a giant production number and switch that into a ballroom-esque sequence? Did you learn nothing from the movie?
Caption: Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
I know I will get eviscerated for this, but I have to say the overture for The Little Mermaid. If I remember correctly they played the full 3 minute overture on Broadway, during which I got goosebumps. Then the curtain rose, and any hopes I had for the production were crushed when I saw the set.
Valentina3 said: "^Lot666 - that's interesting. There's certainly some bum moments* in there, but I think overall it did a better job of keeping me engaged.
* - Masquerade scene in particular made me roll my eyes hard because of its simplicity. WHY would you take a giant production number and switch that into a ballroom-esque sequence? Did you learn nothing from the movie?"
Precisely!
==> this board is a nest of vipers <==
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene" - Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
maybe not the last, but oh my, the one I would love to hear/see again. 42nd Street. ... when that curtain rises, it is incredible!!! I smile just thinking about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJT_z0csy-E