If you were a theatre geek in high school, or just have an appreciation for the theatre, then you probably understand that amazing feeling of going to a LIVE show. It starts with buying your tickets, counting down the days till, and walking into that theatre with an overall feeling of excitement and high energy. You sit down and wait patiently for the music to begin. It's all part of the magic of theatre, and more specifically Broadway; where new stars and stories are born.
Every year, the Tony Awards celebrate the finest achievements in the world of theatre. The Tony Awards premiered in 1947 and the Broadway community has embraced it ever since. The following list includes the Tony Award Winning Best Musicals from the past 16 years. Add these to your list of "Shows to See"!
1. Contact (2000) is a Three Act sequence full of dance and stories that express human emotional and relationships. Act one tells the story of two men competing for one woman. Act two is about a woman who is trying to escape an abusive marriage, and Act three tells the story of a lonely man who is trying to find the courage to speak to this beautiful girl in the yellow dress.
2. The Producers (2001) is a classic based on Mel Gibson's 1968 film. The musical tells the story of two men who produce a show, and one running off with all it's earnings.
3. Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) is based in 1920. Millie, a dreamer from Kansas, moves to New York to marry a rich man. She falls into the lifestyle of the 1920's and an unexpected romantic relationship finds her in some tough situations. Sutton Foster ROCKED it.
4. Hairspray (2003) is the classic story of a girl reaching for her dreams of being on television. She approaches personal challenges, love, and a bigger dream for the history of television. If you've seen the movie, you should definitely see the show.
5. Avenue Q (2004) uses puppets to tell the story of living (and loving) in New York City. It is known for its adult humor and storyline. Be prepared for crude humor and potentially awkward situations depending on who you are seeing this show with. It's hilarious.
6. Spamalot (2005) is based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"...enough said.
7. Jersey Boys (2006) tells the story of the rock n' roll quartet, The Four Seasons. The music is phenomenal.
8. Spring Awakening (2007) is eye-opening in its story of 12 young people and their experience while finding their sexual identities.
9. In The Heights (2008) takes place in Manhattan and tells the story of a store owner as he sees his community go through the highs and lows of life.
10. Billy Elliot: The Musical (2009) is a powerful musical story of a boy who just wants to dance. His father on the other hand, does not.
11. Memphis (2010) tells the story of a 1950's disk jockey and his journey playing for white listeners. His story gets interesting when he begins to fall for a talented black singer.
12. The Book of Mormon (2011) is the tale of two young Mormons who travel to Uganda to spread the Gospel.
13. Once (2012) shows how the magic of music can bring people together and change their lives.
14. Kinky Boots (2013) is about a boy trying to save his father's failing shoe factory. Inspired by an entertainer named Lola, the boy learns more about himself than expected.
15. A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (2014) is a story of a "black sheep" who is 9th in line to inherit to a dukedom, so he decides to get rid of the other eight.
