Asking me to pick my favourite musical is like asking a parent to choose their favourite child; I probably have one, but it would be painfully difficult to make the decision. As my 8 year anniversary of seeing Wicked- and therein becoming obsessed with musicals- is approaching, I started thinking about what musicals have stolen my heart over the past near-decade (also, I will likely write a mushy post on Wicked on November 6th…stay tuned). I have so many musical tshirts, I had to have a friend of mine turn them into a quilt (best/coziest decision I’ve ever made).
Even picking 10 musicals that I adore was a task and a half…my love for contemporary musical theatre is out of control. There are so many shows that I haven’t even seen that mean a lot to me. I also obsess over certain songs from musicals (“Candy Store” – Heathers, “Come to Your Senses” – Tick, Tick…BOOM, etc.) which makes things even harder. I decided to choose overall shows that I’m obsessed with rather than ones that have bits and pieces that excite me. Yes, this is likely the nerdiest post I will write…if you don’t care, my deepest apologies. These shows are in no particular order, and there are dozens of honourable mentions that I wish I could include.
Not to be confused with the Broadway version, this Off-Broadway version by Andrew Lippa is one of my favourite musicals of all time…and I haven’t even seen it! The music is SO complex, and it is super dark and twisty. Set during prohibition, this soundtrack is full of delicious harmonies and emotion.
Fave actors: Brian d’Arcy James, Julia Murney
Fave Songs: The Juggernaut, Queenie Was A Blonde, Make Me Happy
This show is a rollercoaster of emotions. Next to Normal tells the story of a woman’s struggle with mental illness and her family’s struggle to cope…the ultimate message is that it is okay to feel unhappy…”give me pain, if that’s what’s real…it’s the price we pay to feel.”
Fave Actors: Jenn Damiano, Aaron Tveit, Bobby Spencer
Fave Songs: Light, Hey #3/Perfect For You, Didn’t I See This Movie?
Jason Robert Brown is one of my favourite contemporary composers, and I apologize to any of my past teachers/accompanists for having to suffer through his piano scores…his music is tough but so amazing. The Last 5 Years- which is now a movie starring Anna Kendrick- tells the story of a relationship from start to finish, but the man starts at the beginning and the woman starts at the end. The two are almost never on stage together, and it is truly heartbreaking.
Fave Actors: Norbert Leo Butz, Betsy Wolfe (1 from the original, 1 from the revival!)
Fave Songs: Moving Too Fast, Shiksa Goddess, I Can Do Better Than That, Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You
Ah, Wicked…the musical that started it all. I’m sure everyone knows about this show by now, but it truly is magical. I’ve seen it 5 times, and each time I find something new to fall in love with. If you love the Wizard of Oz, Wicked will open your eyes to the other side of the story.
Fave Actors: Megan Hilty, Shoshana Bean (not the original, but my favourite)
Fave Songs: No One Mourns the Wicked, The Wizard and I, No Good Deed, The Wicked Witch of the East (not on the soundtrack. Heartbreaking.)
My high school did LSOH when I was in 10th grade, and I was in the band. This show will always have a special place in my heart, and I take pride in singing Seymour’s parts in his original key (#altoprobz). I love the simplicity of this story and its campy darkness.
Fave Actors: Ellen Greene. Always and forever.
Fave Songs: Skid Row (Downtown), Feed Me/Git It, Dentist, Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants)
YAY NUDITY! Never have I ever- or will I ever- witness so many naked bodies at one time. Aside from that, Hair is awesome. It makes me feel all free and righteous and lovey. Hair truly is a feel-good musical with some seriously important messages…a definite must-listen. Also, can we bring back the hippie style? Thanks.
Fave Actors: Will Swenson, Gavin Creel, Jackie Burns
Fave Songs: Black Boys, Air, The Flesh Failures…Let the Sunshine In
I made fun of the concept of this show…until I saw it. So much high belting, so much athleticism, and UNREAL music by Tom Kitt/Amanda Green/Lin-Manuel Miranda (who gets an honourable mention for In the Heights). The music bridges theatre, hiphop and pop, and I adore it. Every single voice in this show was a powerhouse and I was blown away!!
Fave Actors: Taylor Louderman, Ryann Redmond, Gregory Haney
Fave Songs: One Perfect Moment, It Ain’t No Thing, Bring It On, I Got You
I saw the recent revival of Drood 2 years ago and fell in love. This is one of the few shows that I went into knowing nothing about it, and I was so impressed by how fun it was. I love that a woman plays Drood, yet there is no attempt to conceal her real gender; it’s a unique form of gender fluidity and I love it.
Fave Actors: Stephanie J. Block, Will Chase, Jessie Mueller
Fave Songs: Ceylon/A British Subject, No Good Can Come From Bad, Settling Up the Score, Helena’s Confession
[title of show] is probably the most unique show that I know of. It’s two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical (#meta). There are only 5 people on stage with nothing but four chairs and a piano. The writers/actors of TOS have the most ridiculous sense of humor and work incredibly well together, and I laugh every time I listen to the album (or watch their youtube channel!)
Fave Actors: Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen, Heidi Blickenstaff, Susan Blackwell (and sometimes Larry)
Fave Songs: Secondary Characters, A Way Back to Then, Title of Show, Nine People’s Favorite Thing
More Jason Robert Brown! Songs for a New World is a song cycle; there is no dialogue, and the songs don’t necessarily connect to one another. However they do center around the same themes. These songs are incredibly emotional and feel so real; I find a way to connect to each and every one!
Fave Actors: Andrea Burns, Brooks Ashmankas
Fave Songs: Opening: A New World, I’d Give It All For You, Surabaya Santa, I’m Not Afraid of Anything