We all love a good musical, but too often, I think we get scooped up in our favorites. In a time when we are being overrun with absolutely fabulous new material, it's a bit odd for people to stick to the classics. Of course they are classics for a reason, but it's beginning to get a little ridiculous. Did you know that Wicked has been running on Broadway for 13 years, Phantom of the Opera for 30, and Chicago for 41?
An even bigger question is why do people not obsessed with
Broadway Musicals only know these shows? Sorry, guys, but when you say
you're obsessed with musicals but only know these shows, those of us who
breathe this stuff in get insulted. Yes, the classics are great, but
you need to expand your horizons! Luckily, I have you covered!
Throughout my five years of inhaling anything and everything to do with
the stage, I have come across many a show. Some were magnificent and
some were horrid. So, for the intermediate musical theatre fan, I've
comprised a short list of my absolute favorite shows of all time. Let's
just say, with this list you'll be a pro in no time! (P.S. Follow the
links in the titles to the album's on Apple Music! And you're welcome!)
11. Hamilton
It's
unavoidable. This musical has taken everybody by storm and people still
can't get enough of it. They've gotten featured on the Grammy's for
Christ's sake! This is the new show to know and if you don't, sadly
you'll miss out on a lot of nitty-gritty theater talk!
10. Waitress
This
show was a bit of an underdog this Broadway season, then again wasn't
everybody with Hamilton around? Irregardless, it's a somewhat heart
breaking love story written by the ever so lovely Sara Bareilles and based on the film of the same name.
9. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
This
show took Broadway by storm two years ago and for good reason too! When
the entirety of one family is played by one person, it doesn't exactly
go unnoticed! It's only downfall is that it's a bit hard to understand
the plot by simply listening to the soundtrack. Yet, that's what we have
Wikipedia for, right?
8. Avenue Q
Never have I ever heard something so fabulously hilarious and insulting all at once. This show is definitely not for your average, politically correct theater goer, but boy, is it entertaining. However, if you're like me and absolutely adore darker themes, this is the perfect show for you!
7. Thoroughly Modern Millie
Ok, look, the only reason I'm fond of this show because I preformed it in junior year musical theatre, but if you only knew how many times I've sang every word, you'd say that it's standing here was perfect. There's no denying it, this show is simply a crowd-pleaser, and if you don't know who Sutton Foster is yet, get ready to have your entire world revolutionized.
6. Heathers: The Musical
Yes, you read that right. There is a musical version of the famous 1988 crime drama, and if you thought it was a bit racy, wait til you see or rather, hear, it's musical counterpart. One thing is for sure, you'll be dying to see it once you hear the soundtrack. Unfortunately, it's not on Apple Music. However, you can listen to the full album on YouTube by simply clicking here.
5. The Producers
And you thought great theatre was only on the stage... Tisk, tisk. With ticket sales rising steadily, it can be hard to see your favorite shows - and even then, they must be playing. However, with this fantastic invention called film, you can watch fabulous musical acts right from your couch. (You can even do it in your pajamas if you want to get a little crazy!)
And as far as movie musicals go, this one is one of the best! Once again, we have a touch of dark comedy, but I promise it's worth it in the end. Plus with the spectacularly funny Nathan Lane, the always adorable Matthew Broderick, and a dancing, Nazi sympathizing Will Ferrell, you can't miss out on such a perfectly amusing movie.
4. The Book of Mormon
Hello! My name is Brooke and I'm obsessed with dark and sometimes offensive themes. (Hi, Brooke.) No, seriously, this one isn't for the lighthearted either, but if you fancy yourself a good laugh, this is definitely the first place to stop and set up camp. Actually, The Book of Mormon has just recently been named the best musical of this century. So, technically that means you MUST listen to the soundtrack at worst, go see one of their many traveling companies at best. I promise, you won't regret it one bit! After all, when has the New York Times ever been wrong?
3. Legally Blonde: The Musical
Do you know a single person out there that doesn't love that zany little Kappa Nu known as Elle Woods? Me either. And now you can love her more! It's a miracle, I know! While I'm at it, may I just say that this musical almost follows the movie to a tee and it's characters will leave you trying to sing while watching the Reese Witherspoon classic.
2. Next to Normal
I want to send as much praise as I can to this show because it's been my absolute fav for over three years now, and that's saying something! Look, I have eyes, I know know it's number two on this list, but I actually have a four way tie between numbers 1-4.
Not only is the book and score writing for this incredibly sad show spectacularly heartbreaking, it's one of the most thought provoking pieces of theatre I've ever come across. What does mental illness really feel like and how does it effect a family? Listen to this show to find out, read the plot summary here for more clarity if you're confused, and watch the original cast's 2009 Tony performance here!
