I'm a big Broadway fan. I often find when I tell people that -– as anyone else that's ever tried to tell someone that can attest -– they groan. Or make some sort of weird face and say, "Oh, that's nice." Therefore, I'm here to say that musical theater, particularly some of the shows that have come out in recent years that aim to appeal to broader audiences, are doing just that.

Here's a list of musicals to listen to, for anyone that thinks they don't like musicals.

1. Hamilton

Having just come out on Broadway this season, Hamilton is breaking down barriers that we didn't know existed. There are only two things you need to know: first, it's the story of Alexander Hamilton and the rest of the founding fathers; second, it's a rap musical. You can't honestly tell me you're not intrigued. If you click here and listen for just 30 seconds, I promise that you won't regret it. The talent that the cast has is absolute insanity, and the lyrics and story and everything else aren't anything less.

2. Avenue Q

Many will describe this show as an adult Sesame Street, and I would have to agree. The whole premise is that the actors play puppets on stage - it's very Henson-esque -– but the actors are also present and visible. The music and content is very witty and satirical, and it's just cynical enough to be enjoyable for just about anyone.

3. Once the Musical

One of my own personal favorites, this show is unique because everyone in the show is also a musician. There's no pit orchestra or background music for this musical; the actors accompany themselves while they're on stage. The basic plot is, a girl and guy meet (their character's names actually remain Girl and Guy) and fall in love through music, but then they part ways again and both return to their separate lives understanding love a little bit more. As opposed to your classic showtune, the soundtrack for Once is very singer-songwriter, and most of it is acoustic guitar and soft piano.

4. The Last Five Years

While the music in The Last Five Years can be categorized as sounding like stereotypical Broadway, the reason that it may appeal to a broader audience is the subject matter. This show is the story of Jamie and Cathy, a couple that gets married, and then gets divorced. That's no spoiler, because it starts at the end. Well, for Cathy it does. She's telling the story from the end and moving backward to their first date, while he starts at the beginning and tells it through to the end. The characters only share the stage at one point during the show, when their stories cross paths during the wedding song. I can personally say that there is a song in this musical for every emotional state that I have ever encountered. It's such a real subject, that it has the ability to affect anyone who's ever been in any form of a relationship. Warning: it will probably (definitely) make you cry.

This list is just a starting point. If you decide to give one of these musicals a listen, don't be afraid to take another step and get sucked into the world of Broadway.