First things first, I'm not trying to hate on Hamilton or anything, I'm super impressed by what they've accomplished. They've brought a whole new audience to the theatre and I think that's very important. That being said, I spent two years studying Musical Theatre. I've listened to countless scores, old and new, and I think there are some scores that are up there with Hamilton, that aren't quite as well known. Hamilton is a style all its own so I don't expect these scores to be comparable in that way but, they contain some beautiful music, so I think they're worth giving a listen.
"Dogfight" by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Okay, I'm going to say it. This is hands down my favorite musical of all time. I don't know whether it's because of the beautiful score or because I feel a pretty solid connection to the lead character, Rose Fenny, but either way this show is incredible. Set during the Vietnam war, a group of Marines decide to throw one last party before they're sent off. It's called the Dogfight and the soldier who brings the ugliest date wins the prize money. Rose, who represents everything good and innocent in this world, unfortunately gets swept up in this terrible party. You'll have to listen to find out what happens in the end. But I promise you'll laugh and cry a lot of ugly tears.
"It Shoulda Been You" by Barbra Anselmi and Brian Hargrove
I have never laughed so hard in such a short amount of time as I did when I saw "It Shoulda Been You" twice. This hilarious 90-minute show will make you laugh, hit you right in the feels, and make you never want to plan a wedding. The music is great and will leave you singing it for days. Also, this show contains the worlds best and entirely unexpected plot twist. Enjoy Lisa Howard singing her face off in the best Tony performance by a show that wasn't nominated.
"Ordinary Days" by Adam Gwon
This show was my first exposure to new Musical Theatre. I have listened to this show more times than I can count. "Ordinary Days" follows four New Yorkers as their lives unfold and intertwine in some of the most beautiful ways. It's another one that'll hit you right in the gut. If you're prone to crying at beautiful songs, I might skip the clip below and listen to the rest of the show first and in order.
"The Wild Party" by Andrew Lippa
"Wild" party is an understatement. The party in this show is past wild to a point where I don't have adjectives to describe it. It's one of those things where you're just gonna have to listen for yourself. I couldn't explain it if I tried. But the music is amazing, the original cast was perfect, and you'll be wanting to throw your very own 1920's wild party after you listen.
"35MM" by Ryan Scott Oliver
So, this is a cool one. All the songs have a photo to go with them. Sometimes the song came first and sometimes the photo did. It's so cool. It doesn't take the shape of a your typical musical but it all ties together in the end. The songs are fun and kinda twisted and brilliantly written. If you're into weird rock musicals, this is your thing. Also, everyone on this album as been blessed with an incredible voice, so there's that.
BONUS: "Elisabeth" by Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze
Disclaimer: This musical isn't in English. It's in German. I was introduced to this musical while I was traveling Austria and I'm in love with it. However, It's never been done in English. It follows the life of Austrian Empress Elisabeth "Sisi" and her infatuation with Death. It's basically the Phantom of the Opera of Austria and it's brilliant. Here's my favorite song with a semi-decent translation.
