Looking for a new obsession? Something to play in your head on repeat? These are 8 musicals to look into, with a brief summary, ratings, when applicable where/when to watch, and my opinion. You can listen to all of them on Spotify.
Writer: Rachel Schneider
Editor: Miya Finlay
Publishing Date: 12/2/2024
Hamilton: By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Summary: Look into the life of Alexander Hamilton, as he came to America, and helped in the American revolution and the politics that came after.
Ratings: 5/5 stars
Where/when to watch: Disney+
Personally, I love this musical and would recommend it. Its music is catchy, and the choreography is amazing. After all, it won 11 tony awards for a reason. As a warning, it includes a lot of rap music which may not be for everyone.
Les Miserables: By Victor Hugo
Summary: 1815 France, was a time of despair that led to the French revolution. Jean Valjean is a newly released prisoner, reintegrating himself into society. He takes a job as a manager at a factory, all while being chased by a cop who wishes to imprison him.
Ratings: 4/5 stars
Where/when to watch: Movie version available on Youtube, and Prime Video.
This musical is wonderful. It has less choreography, as it follows a plot line which is demonstrated through movement. Considering the original novel was written in 1862, it's held up great. Most of the songs are slow and sad, so if you are in the mood for a more up-beat tone, this is not for you.
Six: By Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow
Summary: Meet all 6 wives of King Henry the Eighth, and watch as they compete over who had the most tragic story.
Ratings: 4.5/5 stars
Where/when to watch: Download and watch on Hulu.
This musical is so fun. It's quick, funny and action packed. This is currently my favorite musical, as it's very interactive, especially when viewed live. The choreography is phenomenal and the vocals are extremely impressive. It's definitely a modern musical filled with great rock music. Though, beware, it’s very experimental in its style, so this type of musical is not for everyone,
Mamma Mia: By Catherine Johnson (music written by ABBA)
Summary: With Sophie's wedding coming up, she is determined to invite her father. She knows that he is one of three men, so she invites them all! What could go wrong?
Ratings: 4/5 stars
Where/when to watch; Netflix, Prime Video.
I like this musical a lot. It's very cute, interesting and I love the way ABBA songs have been incorporated to shape this musical. The actors in the movie version are phenomenal, and although the songs are not that impressive vocally, they're delivered brilliantly.
Moulin Rouge: By John Logan
Summary: A tragic love story of a woman who works as a cabaret actress and courtesan, and falls in love with an aspiring writer.
Ratings: 4.5/5 stars
Where/When to watch: Disney+, coming to EdMirvish theaters November 19 to January 12, 2024.
This musical is incredibly neat. It’s a tragic love story that has such great elements of color and dance which brings the musical to a whole new level. The songs are mixes of common pop songs (most of which are older songs), which I love.
Newsies: By Harvey Fierstein
Summary: Set in 1899 New York, where the newspaper boys go on strike, though there are many obstacles.
Ratings: 1/5 stars
Where/When to watch: Disney+
Personally, I am not the biggest fan of this musical, but it has a large fan base which is why I included it. It has good songs and choreography, but it's definitely more classical, and ‘show tuney’. However, the vocals are impressive, especially the male lead Jermemy Jordan in his song “Santa Fe”. The reason I don’t like it is because of the show tune style songs, mixed with overexaggerated brooklyn accents.
Grease: By Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Summary: After a summer of love, Danny and Sandy break up only to find out that they go to the same school. Even in different cliques, are they able to get back together?
Ratings: 4/5 stars
Where/When to watch: Paramount+
This musical is older, but still very fun and cute. The movie has good choreography, which is especially hard to do in movies. The songs are nice and very catchy, but there aren’t many songs, and it's shorter than most musicals.
Hades Town: By Anaïs Mitchell
Summary: Based on the common Greek story "Orpheus and Eurydice”, Orpheous and Eurydice fall in love, but she is taken by Hades into the underworld.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Where/When to watch: N/A
This musical is sweet. The characters are likable and the songs are great,despite the little choreography. To compensate, the movement in this musical is amazing, it should almost be considered its own genre. It's a mix of old time jazz with folk music, which is very interesting and I enjoy it a lot.
