Musical out there for everyone

I never listen when someone tells me they "don't like musicals."

First of all, I can't bear to hear it. And second of all, I firmly believe it is merely because they haven't been introduced to the right musicals.

The common complaint is how "unbelievable" it is that someone would burst into song. Some of us do it as often as we can get away with (though it would be much easier if the symphony kicked in on cue).

But I chuckle that these same people sit down to Arnold Schwarzenegger movies or "Batman" or "Star Wars" or ... fill in the blank ... and have no problem suspending their believing. Even movies such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" — how implausible is that? (Am I dating myself with that reference?)

I thought that was the point of escapism entertainment — to escape to a different world for a couple of hours.

Some, like me, prefer the unbelievable chick-flick type of entertainment. You may prefer a different unbelievable genre. With musicals, much like movies, there really is something out there for everyone — provided the person in question is open enough to admit when they like something.

In fact, that's a challenge I love. "What would that person like?"

My co-worker is heading to New York soon with his family and wondered if there were any musicals his 17-year-old son might enjoy. As exquisite as "South Pacific" is, it wouldn't appeal to most teenagers. "In the Heights," with it's rap/Latin music, might. "A Chorus Line" — not so much. "Young Frankenstein" — a pretty good chance.

My soon-to-be-brother-in-law (as of this Saturday) told my sister that: (a) he doesn't like musicals and (b) he thinks "The Music Man" is the worst ever. Which is an absolute dagger in my heart ("Music Man" is one of my faves). I may have my work cut out for me on this one, but I'll spend the rest of my years trying to win him over. (Welcome to the family!)

Brace yourselves: That sound you hear is Patti Lupone on the new Broadway cast recording of "Gypsy." I just received my press copy, and though I haven't listened to it yet, I think I can hear her belting "Everything's Coming Up Roses" already. The CD will be in stores Aug. 28.

What's that? That sound, my friends, is diva Linda Eder and her new CD, "The Other Side of Me." Eder is "getting back to her roots" with music that moved her as a kid when she was learning guitar. The CD is out Sept. 30.