Thank You for the Music. . . What’s Your Top Stage Show? Smash Hit Mamma Mia! Heads for Glasgow, but What Hits the High Notes for You?

By RUSSELL LEADBETTER and JAMES WATT

MUSICALS are sometimes thought to be an old-fashioned form of entertainment . . . but try telling that to the millions of people who’ve enjoyed Mamma Mia! , the Abba-inspired stage show.

The truth is, musicals have never gone out of fashion.

Mamma Mia! arrives at the Clyde Auditorium on April 1, having laid waste to much of the civilised world to become its biggest- grossing musical and the proud breaker of numerous theatre records.

It’s part of a long tradition that has made musicals one of the most enduring attractions on the stage – not to mention the big screen.

A Channel 4 survey of the top film musicals of all time came up with a list that made captivating reading.

The top 10 alone consisted of Moulin Rouge, Oliver! , Chicago, the Rocky Horror Show, Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and, at No 1, Grease.

Who hasn’t seen one or more of these films?

Such films have given us many classic moments, from Gene Kelly’s dance in the rain to John Travolta’s courtship of Olivia Newton- John.

In London’s West End right now, musical hits range from such classics as Cabaret and Les Miserables to relatively new shows such as Hairspray, The Lord of the Rings . . . and, yes, Mamma Mia!

In addition, a new musical version of Gone With the Wind, directed by theatre legend Trevor Nunn, opens on April 4.

And in previous years, musicals such as Miss Saigon, Cats, Chess and Joseph have proved enormous box-office draws, in London and beyond.

Given musicals’ track record, it’s no surprise that Mamma Mia! should have done so well.

What, we wanted to know, is your favourite musical?

MARISSA VACHON, 19, teacher, City Centre: My favourite musical would be the Little Shop Of Horrors as we did it in school.

ALLY KIERNEY, 22, film student, Glasgow: I am not really into musicals but my favourite would probably be Jesus Christ Superstar.

KIRSTEN MacLEOD, 20, student, City Centre: Grease would be my favourite musical as I used to watch it all the time when I was younger.

GILLIAN LEVEY, 21, music student:

West Side Story is one that I enjoy and would be my favourite musical.

KEVIN ROBERTSON, 38, stage manager, Glasgow: Les Miserables would be my favourite musical because it had a good story and good music.

ROSANNA YOUNG, 18, student, City Centre: I was in the Sound Of Music when I was at school so that would be my favourite musical.

RAYMOND LEVITUS, 68, retired, Glasgow:

My favourite musical is West Side Story but I am looking forward to seeing Mamma Mia! when it comes to Glasgow.

RICHARD LYONS, 26, assistant stage manager, City Centre: Hair would be my favourite musical but I also like Jesus Christ Superstar.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

(c) 2008 Evening Times; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.