Over the past few years, my love for musicals have grown more and more. There's nothing better than sitting on the bus, staring out the window as voices harmonize in your ears. One of the things I love most about musicals is that each song tells a story! It's like having both a song and a book rolled into one, with a catchy tune attached. Thankfully, musicals have been becoming part of pop culture, meaning that more people are discovering the wonders of musicals. While "Hamilton" and "Hairspray" are amazing, you can only listen to the soundtrack so many times before you need a fresh musical to listen to. Look no further, because this list contains 10 musicals that may become your newest obsession!
Bubble Boy
Bubble Boy (Original Cast Recording)
Bubble Boy has recently become my newest favorite musicals! Each song is extremely catchy and littered with humor, and I find myself listening to it far more than I should. Based off of the movie with the same title, Bubble Boy follows the life of a boy born without an immune system, his struggle with having a controlling mother, and trying to stop the wedding of the girl he loves.
36 Questions
36 Questions is the very first podcast musical written specifically to be listened to without a visual show, meaning you won't have to worry about missing anything that isn't put in the recordings. This musical, starring Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton, is about a woman trying to reconnect with her ex-husband through the 36 Questions, a set of questions believed to make two people fall in love. The songs are heart-wrenching and emotional, and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I have sung these songs out while in the pouring rain. This musical is one I keep close to my heart, as it has helped me through a rough breakup, and I encourage anyone struggling with closure to give it a listen.
Bare: A Pop Opera
Don't be put off with the word "Opera" in the title. Bare: A Pop Opera is actually a rock musical and is perfect for those who like heavier music. The musical is about students at a Catholic boarding school and the challenges these teenagers face, such as sexual orientation and religious beliefs. It is a wonderful choice for those looking to listen to musicals with storylines revolving around the LGBTQ+ community.
52hz, I Love You
52Hz, I Love You Malaysia Official Trailer
52hz, I Love You is a Taiwanese musical drama entirely in Mandarin. The story takes place in Taipei City on Valentine's Day, and follows the love life of multiple couples, and even features a lesbian couple! It's lighthearted, catchy, and even those who don't speak Mandarin (like me) will fall in love with the music. The movie is available on Netflix Taiwan and the soundtrack is on Spotify Taiwan, so those with VPNs will have an easy time accessing it. If you don't have a VPN, don't fret, you can listen to the songs on YouTube!
Caroline, or Change​
For those who want musicals that are serious and politically charged, Caroline or Change delivers. The musical features genres such as blues, motown, and classical. The main character is an African-American Woman named Caroline, who works as a maid to support her four children. The musical is planning to be revived on Broadway in 2021, so get listening to it now!
She Loves Me
In She Loves Me, two coworkers that fight constantly are unknowingly each other's romantic anonymous pen pals. This musical is adorable and the characters have wonderful development throughout the acts!
The Addams Family
We all know about the Addams Family, but did you know that there is a musical based on the show and movie? In the musical adaptation, Wednesday is grown and meets a boy named Lucas, whom she decides to marry. When listening to the soundtrack, I like to listen closely to the grim and dark lyrics that are hidden behind the joyful tunes.
Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde: The Gothic Musical Thriller
When you think of musicals, the genre of horror isn't one that usually comes to mind. However, Jekyll and Hyde brings the spooky feeling we all love, and it's a wonderful musical to listen to in October to get into that Halloween spirit.
The Dolls of New Albion
The Dolls Of New Albion: A Steampunk Opera
This musical is a steampunk opera: Need I say more? The musical has 4 acts, and each act is set a generation after the one prior. Throughout the musical, you get to listen to how the city of New Albion slowly crumbles into ruin and is filled with faceless dolls made to reanimate the dead.
The Raven Locks
The raven Locks is a musical project by the band Dirt Poor Robins. The musical takes place the first year of World War I, and follows the story of a man who owns a Victorian Era clothing shop. This was the very first musical I have ever listened to, and despite the lack of information about the plot, Dirt Poor Robins has been releasing more and more information about the story line as time goes on.
