Teenage years are a tumultuous time. They aren't the easiest. There's a lot of changes and new experiences happening, and sometimes you need a little guidance and inspiration to tell you things are going to be okay. Here are some shows that have helped me out. I hope they're useful for you too.
1. Dear Evan Hansen
"Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you, and when you're broken on the ground, you will be found"
Relatively new to the Broadway scene, Dear Evan Hansen has become a smash hit, and for good reason. The story centers around (you guessed it) Evan Hansen, a teenager with severe social anxiety. To sum it up, he gets himself caught in a lie, which has both good and bad consequences. For those with depression and anxiety, it is a good reminder that you aren't alone. Even for those who do not have experiences with mental illness, it teaches the importance of telling the truth and being yourself.
2. Hamilton
"Only nineteen but my mind is older"
Another huge hit, you've probably heard some of this show already. While a story about a famous historical figure may not seem like the most relatable thing at first, Hamilton shows that no matter your background, you can rise up and make yourself successful. It stresses hard work, but also the importance of not letting yourself get consumed by it; time for family and love is also vital. The cast is also made up of a diverse range of races and a mix of empowering male and female characters to further its message that anyone can do anything.
3. Next to Normal
"Day after day, give me clouds and give me rain, give me pain if that's what's real, it's the price we pay to feel"
Like Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal is a look at mental illness. Next to Normal, though, gives a much broader view on how it affects not only the person experiencing it, but those close to them as well. In particular, there is teenager Natalie, whose mother faces a slew of issues. Natalie expresses how it feels to be a part of a highly dysfunctional family perfectly, and issues such as pressure to succeed and feeling overshadowed by your siblings. It is no holds barred dark, but an important piece.
4. Spring Awakening
"Mama who bore me, Mama who gave me...no way to handle things, who made me so sad"
If you've ever felt like your parents are hiding some truths of life from you, the characters of Spring Awakening can relate. The show shows brutal truths about discovering sexuality, and honestly, is a bit of a warning to be sexually educated. It also covers mental health issues, religion, and abuse. For those who feel misunderstood and wary of adults, you'll feel a connection to these teens who, though in a different time period, are going through similar situations as yours. Like Next to Normal, it isn't easy to swallow, but is another important piece.
5. RENT
"To days of inspiration, playing hooky, making something out of nothing, the need to express, to communicate"
While most of the characters in RENT are not actually teenagers, the show still captures the struggles of living on your own, something older teens can/are beginning to be able to relate to. It also celebrates artistry and love, but doesn't sugarcoat that with life and love, comes loss. RENT always makes me feel proud to be involved in the arts and it's a musical I've come back to for many years now.
6. Matilda
"Nobody but me is gonna change my story"
Matilda is the opposite of RENT in that most of the main characters are actually younger than teenagers. But nonetheless it shows the troubles of growing up, and how not even adults feel like "grown-ups" all the time. There is also so much fun in this show, and it has loads of childhood imagination in it, taking all of us back to our roots and perhaps reminding us to put some more fun in our lives. It also shows that no matter how "little" you may be, that you can make a difference.
7. Heathers
"Can't we be seventeen?"
Based on the popular '80s movie, Heathers is a comically dark take on teenage angst. It's fun, but also displays the bad consequences of actions taken in times of heavy emotion. Veronica's general disgust towards high school and the people in it is something that's totally relatable.
