Musicals can be seen as frivolous shows with catchy soundtracks and eye-catching costumes, but in reality, these productions have a lot more to share with the audience than just a few dance numbers. Here are seven lessons you can learn about high school from musicals.
1. Don't try to fit the "status quo."
Troy Bolton in High School Musical faces pressure from his friends to not audition for the school musical since they believe his main priority should be the basketball team. Despite this, Troy joins the musical, which causes the school to go up in arms over him mingling between social groups. However, Troy's friends end up supporting his decision, understanding that a person doesn't need to fit into one box, but can defy societal expectations and branch out into other interests. From this, we learn that we should always try to be our true selves and not let societal pressures force us to hide who we are.
2. Don't dumb yourself down.
Mean Girls the Musical has the character Cady Heron believe that by pretending to be bad at math, her crush will like her. This leads to her failing her math class, a consequence that would have been prevented if she didn't let her insecurities affect her. Don't feel as though you need to act dumb to get people to like you; this can only lead to others underestimating you (and a poor report card).
3. Stay strong in the face of adversity.
Rizzo in Grease is faced with other girls speaking poorly about her sexual promiscuity, which makes her feel even more alone since she believes herself to be pregnant. Even when she's being shamed by others, Rizzo holds her chin up and ignores those that try to bring her down.
4. Cut out toxic people from your life.
In Heathers the Musical, Veronica Sawyer is a part of the Heathers, a group of the most popular girls in school that constantly admonish and verbally abuse her. She also begins dating Jason Dean, a troubled teen that attempts to drag Veronica down the wrong path. If you're surrounded by those that make you feel bad about yourself or force you to do things you normally wouldn't, then cutting them out is the best option in order to protect yourself and your mental health.
5. You can get involved with social change, even as a high school student.
Hairspray takes place during the sixties, where the fictional Corny Collins Show discriminates against black performers. The protagonist Tracy Turnblad argues against the inherent racism in the television show, stating on a live broadcast that there shouldn't be segregation between the white and black dancers, and eventually joins a protest. Even though Tracy is young, she maturely educates herself on racism and uses her platform to help others.
6. Be self-aware.
Evan Hansen, a socially awkward teenager, becomes caught up in a lie about just how much he helped out a suicidal boy at his high school in Dear Evan Hansen. Eventually, Evan starts to believe his lies, trying to hide who he actually is as a person. Once the truth is revealed, all of what Evan has accomplished disappears. If you hide behind what you think others want you to be, you begin to lose yourself in the lies you've created. Always be self-aware of who you are, and don't try to be something different.
7. Know your true friends.
High school can be tough, and in Be More Chill, Jeremy Heere tries to make his school life easier by ditching his best friend, Micheal Mell, to become more popular, gaining fake friends in the process. Even though Michael is upset with Jeremy, he still comes to help him in his moment of need, truly showing how he is the best friend someone could have, no matter how unpopular he is. Surrounding yourself by people that don't actually care about you can make you feel more alone than being unpopular can. Make sure you have a friend in your life that you can trust, even if they're not Homecoming King.
Overall, musicals offer more than a fantastical show. They share messages with the audience about how to handle high school, presenting stories of friendship, peer pressure and even mental health. Many high school students can relate to these developing characters, connecting to their journeys and the hardships they face in school. So the next time you're listening to show tunes, instead of just learning a new song, you may pick up a new life lesson, too
