On Shows

 

Sometimes they get it wrong.

In 2004, for instance, they awarded Avenue Q the award for best musical.

The other option was Wicked. 

20 years later, very few people have heard of Avenue Q,

But Wicked has become somewhat of a global phenomenon.

 

I think they got it right in 2024, though. 

The Outsiders won the Tony for best musical of 2024. 

And it is an outstanding show. 

 

I had the privilege of seeing The Outsiders on Tuesday night.

I went in blind.

I had no idea what I was going to see.

By the end of the show,

I had laughed and cried and been drawn into the world of Tulsa in 1967. 

I had pondered the poignant themes of love and friendship and family and grief and

violence and sacrifice and overcoming stereotype and more.

The music was excellent with strong melodies and harmonies. 

I could understand the lyrics. 

And I was left feeling that I would willingly see the show again and be able to find even more meaning the second time. 

All of those things together, 

For me, 

Make a good show. 

 

What about you? 

What makes something a good show?

What show is your favorite? 

What show would you not see again? 

What show do you think deserves awards? 

What show received accolades that you don’t understand? 

 

And when I say show, I use the term jn the broadest sense possible. 

TV show, box office movie, Broadway musical, stage play—

Whatever is on your mind at the moment. 

 

And…go!