Musical theatre has been one of the most important parts of my life since I was in sixth grade. I have been in too many shows to count and have seen countless of other productions put on by other schools and by community and professional companies.
There is something truly magical about putting story to song, and there is truly a musical out there for everyone. Although I've seen several musicals that I've fallen in love with, just five have made my list for the greatest musicals of all time.
1. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
GiphyConsidered a musical thriller, this show has all of the elements I love in my favorite movies and T.V. shows, such as "Criminal Minds" and "The Silence of the Lambs." This musical tells the story of Sweeney Todd, a barber who helps a meat pie shop owner, Mrs. Lovett, with her issue of lack of meat by using humans for her pies. This show takes plenty of twists, includes romance from the young characters of Anthony and Johanna, and does not shy away from using gore on stage.
2. "The Phantom of the Opera"
GiphyAs Christine is still a dream role of mine, it's only fitting to include my once favorite musical on this list. "The Phantom of the Opera" is about a young chorus girl who finds herself in the lead role while dealing with her childhood love interest returning to her life and a mysterious phantom within the opera house who taunts his occupants. While containing operatic elements, this show is still considered a musical.
3. "West Side Story"
GiphyDefinitely my favorite classic musical, "West Side Story" is a tragic love story inspired by the Shakespeare play "Romeo and Juliet." This musical tells the story of two teenage, rival gangs in New York City and how one of the members falls in love with a girl associated with the opposing gang. The music of this musical, made by Stephen Sondheim, is what made me love this show even more.
4. "Book of Mormon"
GiphyBy far the funniest musical I've ever seen, "Book of Mormon" is about two young missionaries who are assigned to travel to Uganda to spread the Mormon religion. "Book of Mormon" was created by the creators of the animated television show "South Park," so needless to say, it is extremely raunchy and mocks the Mormon faith; however, there is also something so sweet in the storyline that tugs at your emotions and makes you relate to the characters and fall in love with their development.
5. "Into the Woods"
GiphyFrom being in this show, seeing it at the Muny, and dragging my parents with me to the movie theatre to see the screen adaptation on opening day, it's safe to say that "Into the Woods" wins my number one position on this list. This musical combines classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales with the interlocking musical numbers and storyline of the genius composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Classic stories from childhood turn dark in this musical and bring a new light to the usual rose-colored glasses view of fairy tales.
