Musicals, you either love them or hate them. If you're like me, musicals have a special place in your heart. With infectious songs (which invade your music library), important and relevant underlying themes, and characters you just fall in love with, musicals are pretty great. Having been a fan of musicals since a young age, I have had the blessing to have experienced a large number of musicals throughout the years. I have comprised a list of my top three personal favorite musicals (both on stage and screen).
1. Finding Neverland
Finding Neverland was the only musical I had the pleasure of seeing on Broadway in New York City, however, it's one of my favorites. The music alone can take you into the plot of the story and you fall in love with all the characters (even the antagonist). Unfortunately, Finding Neverland isn't on Broadway anymore, but if you are interested in seeing this musical, it is touring around the US in 2017!
2. Hairspray
Hairspray is my number one favorite musical, no questions asked, no hesitations. The musical takes you back into the 1960's where segregation is in full swing. The script and music together mesh into an important message that is still relevant to today. Recently, NBC put on the star-studded production of 'Hairspray Live!', so, you can easily experience the energy and relevant themes of this musical right now!
3. Legally Blonde: The Musical
Legally Blonde is easily my second favorite musical. The musical itself follows the same plot as the 2001 film with songs sprinkled in to make it a musical. We follow Delta Nu president, Elle Woods (and her dog, Bruiser Woods) as she transfers from UCLA to Harvard Law to follow her one true love. Her quest for true love is interrupted by Harvard's demanding and rigorous curriculum. MTV produced a stage to screen showing of the musical (which is available to watch on YouTube!).
If you ever have the chance to experience a real live Broadway musical, I suggest you let yourself sink into the story and the characters and the music. Most people just care about which musical they're seeing rather than which musical they're living in for that two hour period. Musicals are what makes the world go 'round!