Stage Musicals: 10 All-Time Greatest
From ''Okahoma!'' and ''Carousel'' in the '40s to ''The Book of Mormon'' today -- let us sing their praises
By
Thom Geier
Updated July 12, 2013 at 03:00 PM EDT
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10. The Book of Mormon (2011)
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9. Carousel (1945)
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8. Rent (1993)
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7. A Chorus Line (1975)
Music by Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics by Edward Kleban
Book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante
The supporting players take center stage in this backstage musical, a valentine to theater performers featuring a glut of memorable solos and a high-kicking finale that remains one singular sensation.
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6. Cabaret (1966)
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5. West Side Story (1957)
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4. Oklahoma! (1943)
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics & Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Rodgers & Hammerstein's unlikely hit ushered in a golden age of American musicals, boosted by infectious melodies such as ''Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,'' ambitious dance numbers (including a 15-minute mini-ballet in the second act), and a mature love story that doesn't rely mainly on jokes.
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3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979)
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2. Gypsy (1959)
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1. Guys and Dolls (1950)
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By Thom Geier