Founded by brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, the Lemon Twigs have garnered quite a bit of indie rock cred, thanks to a sound that is a mash-up of baroque pop, glam rock and a hefty dose of the Great White Way thrown in for good measure. The duo’s latest album, last year’s Go To School: A Musical, is a rock opera that centers on a childless couple that adopts a chimp and is raised as a human boy. Featuring cameos by the siblings’ parents—mom Susan Walker and dad Ronnie D’Addario—the album also includes contributions by Todd Rundgren and Big Star drummer Jody Stephens. There is a strong musical theater element running throughout this project, no surprise given that older brother Brian appeared on Broadway in The Little Mermaid while Michael appeared in productions of Coast of Utopia and All My Sons. That said, the twosome took time to share their three favorite musicals.
Brian D’Addario
A Little Night Music (1973)
“I’ve never seen a production of it, but as far as music from a musical goes, I think A Little Night Music has to be my current favorite. I love the idea behind it, which is to make a musical of all waltzes. I think that’s a great idea, along with the orchestration. I like the original cast recording.”
Oklahoma! (1943)
“I like Oklahoma! a lot. I think ‘Pore Jud is Daid’ is one of my favorite songs.”
Les Miserables (1980)
I think because I was in a production of Les Miserables when I was seven and then, again, when I was nine for about a year and a half, that has a place in my heart. I just heard it so much and I know the songs so well.
Michael D’Addario
Carousel (1945)
“The songs are really incredible, as is the music. I really don’t know what resonates specifically. I was a kid when I heard that music. It’s very romantic and I just like stuff like that.”
Assassins (1990)
“I like [this] for the opposite reasons. It’s atypically dark for a musical and bleak. It sympathizes with people who kill presidents, who you’re normally supposed to hate. But you end up having feelings for these people. I always like things like that.”
The King and I (1951)
“You’d have to be an imbecile to not like The King and I. I really don’t know what to say about it that hasn’t been said before. I’ve seen it a few times. I’ve heard the soundtrack my whole life and it’s breathtaking to watch.”
