The difference between a cow and a bean is a bean can begin an adventure.
If the end is right, it justifies the beans!
Generally, the best recording is the original cast, because that's the way the piece grew: integrally, with them.
I really don't want to write a score until the whole show is cast and staged.
I've always liked puzzles, since I was a kid. I like party games, silly games. I loved chess. I enjoy jigsaw puzzles, but I'm not particularly visual.
Deciding what is to be sung and what is not to be sung is really what writing a musical is about.