When I went to see “Light in the Piazza,” I was simply not prepared to be transported by the exquisite music and lyrics (and performances). “Rent,” “Wicked,” “Les Mis,” “The Color Purple” were all shows that I had read enough about to expect the glorious music I would hear. The other musical that left me jaw-hanging and gobsmacked was “Spring Awakening” - simply rapturous - which is an odd word for such a down-to-earth and visceral score - but true, nonetheless.

Your list is straight up spot on. The only one missing IMO is the revamped and reimagined “An American in Paris” - which surprised and thrilled me.