[nabla]

We had a few threads like this a while ago for finales etc (we may have had one like this too, i don't remember), but I'm bored and procrastinating doing study.
So, in your opinion what are the best musical opening numbers?

I'd say
All That Jazz - Chicago
Willkommen - Cabaret
The Circle of Life - The Lion King
The Ballad of Sweeny Todd - Sweeny Todd
Another Op'nin, Another Show - Kiss Me Kate
The Girl Who Has Everything - Grey Gardens
Prologue - Into The Woods

[mezzo_soprano]

Well I LOVE No one mourns the Wicked. (It works for an easily amused teen with ADD)

Um . . . The openings for Phantom and RENT.

[Yakko]

My opinions so don't hurt me........


Sunday in the Park With George(The way that the park comes alive is just beautiful to look at)


Into the Woods(The ultimente set up for the story)


The Phantom of the Opera(God the overture gets me everytime)



The Drowsy Chaperone( I just love the monologue the Man in the Chair gives)

[Beagle On Stage]

Belle from Beauty and the Beast
Overture from The Fantasticks
Dites-Moi from South Pacific (sets the scene WITHOUT fireworks)
Tradition from Fiddler on the Roof

[Yakko]

[Beagle On Stage]

Probably because most productions have become forgettable as theatre as an art has become generic.

[Yakko]

[dolbinau]

I think that Sondheim shows in general always have good opening numbers.

But "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" wouldn't be my favourite. I always wonder why people like it so much.

[Yakko]

[idTAPthat89]

42nd Street- Opening/Audition
Wilkommen- Cabaret
Ballad Of Sweeney Todd
Company

[Astonishingg]

I love pretty much all of Sondheim's opening numbers, but my absolute favorite opening by far is

"I Hope I Get It" from A CHORUS LINE.


Epic.

[Patch]

Too Much Exposition/This is Urinetown-Urinetown The Musical!

[musialman]

I second "I Hope I Get It" from ACL

[Bare Fan]

for me, its:

No one Mourns the Wicked- Wicked
Prologue- into the woods
Epiphany- Bare

[Quique]

[Disney-Bway27]

My favorites:
Parade: "The Old Red Hills of Home" is just a freaking awesome song. It works so well.
Ragtime: Come on now. Anyone that denies that the opening to this musical is lying to themselves.
My Fair Lady: "Why Can't the English" is kind of an opening number. But most songs in this show are incredible anyway, and this is no exception. But it fantastically sets up the characters of Higgins and Eliza.
Nine: I loves it.

Those are mine.

[ActingDude17]

The Ballad of Sweeney Todd - Sweeney Todd
Prologue/Overture - The Phantom of the Opera
Circle of Life - The Lion King
Prologue: Into The Woods - Into The Woods
Rent - Rent

[nabla]

YES to ACL! Great opening

I didn't list phantom because I was being all beaurocratic and technically it's an overture . Great opening nonetheless.

Others i'd add are
Grease (Is the Word) - Grease (well the revival anyway), I love that song anyway
Aquarius - Hair

[kakoforever]

Sweeney.
On the Town.
Candide!

[idTAPthat89]

[Jman383]

I like 8th ACL.

Oh and The Circle of Life is tear inducing. Duhz

[wtfchuck]

[Disney-Bway27]

I'm not an ACL fan by any stretch of the imagination, but "I Hope I Get It!" IS a really good opening number...
As is "Circle of Life."

[dolbinau]

[Mungojerrie_rt]

Overture and Jellicle Songs.

I don't care what you think of the show, it's a great opening, especially live. With the cats running through the dark auditorium (even up on the balconies) with the glowing goggles. With the overall lighting and the entire song, choreography and costumes it's brilliant.

[wicked_boy]

[ActingDude17]

[V0CA1]

OMG No one has mentioned

AIDA - Every Story Is A Love Story, maybe it's me cause I have such an attachment linking this song and my younger musical theatre years. Brings back soo many memeories!

Music Man - Rock Island, I was in the show unfortunatly I did not get the chance to sing in the song cause I was Harold Hill, but I really made me want to with all the crazy lyrics and certain tempos.

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown - Opening/Title Song, It's just too good. I have always wanted to perform this song for something, Still do!

[Mama Rose]

"Merrily We Roll Along" - Merrily We Roll Along



"yesterday is done..." I love it.

[mezzo_soprano]