In honor of the Tony Awards airing June 12, I thought there'd be no better time to introduce you to the wonderful world of musical theatre. I'm here to give you the story behind some of the most popular musicals throughout the years, starting back in 1957 and finishing now in 2016. These 10 musicals are all some of my favorites, so I'll even recommend three songs to get you started. Also, most of these musicals are movies, so no tickets required.
1. West Side Story
The Story: Created by Jerome Robbins and inspired by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," "West Side Story" made its Broadway debut in 1957. The musical takes place in 1950's New York and follows two rival gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are constantly taunted by the Jets, a white gang. Needless to say, they don't get along. Things get even more complicated when the protagonist, Tony, a Jet, falls in love with Maria who just happens to be the little sister of the leader of the Sharks. One of the most acclaimed musicals of all time, "West Side Story," has beautiful music and choreography. It tackles dark themes and social issues, making it a turning point in musical theater.
The Songs: "America"
"Jet Song"
"Tonight"
2. The Sound of Music
The Story: Created by the brilliant Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and premiering on Broadway in 1959, the "Sound of Music" is based on the memoir of the real life Maria von Trapp entitled, "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers." The story is set in Austria in 1938. It follows the story of young Maria who takes a job as governess when she becomes indecisive about her life as a nun. Maria soon grows to love the seven Von Trapp children, and eventually falls for their widowed father, Captain Von Trapp. The Captain is soon ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, despite the fact that he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria devise a plan to escape Austria with their children. The movie, starring Julie Andrews, has helped make the "Sound of Music" a household name. It's famous soundtrack is familiar to all.
The Songs: "The Sound of Music"
"My Favorite Things"
"Do-Re-Mi"
3. Annie
The Story: Based on the Harold Gray comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" and turned into a musical by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie made its Broadway debut in 1977. Set in 1933, 11-year-old Annie is living in an orphanage for girls which is run by the awful Ms Hannigan who happens to dislike little girls more than anything. By chance and a little luck, Annie ends up a ward to the wealthy Oliver Warbucks who isn't too happy about an orphan in his mansion. When I was younger, I made my family watch the original 1982 movie at least once a week. The spunk and spirit of little orphan Annie still makes me smile.
The Songs: "It's a Hard Knock Life"
"Little Girls"
"Tomorrow"
4. Grease
The Story: Arguably, the most well-known musical of all time is "Grease." It was written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey and made its Broadway debut in 1972. It's named after the 1950's working youth sub-culture known as greasers. The main characters are Danny Zuko, a greaser, and sweet, sheltered Sandy, "Grease" explores important topics such as love and friendship through the eyes of high schoolers.
The Songs: "Summer Nights"
"You're the One That I Want"
"We Go Together "
5. The Phantom of the Opera
The Story: "The Phantom of the Opera" is based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart wrote the music and lyrics for this popular musical which debuted on Broadway in 1988. This tragic tale centers around beautiful soprano and orphan, Chritine Daae, who becomes the obsession of the mysterious Phantom that haunts the theatre where she lives and works. You don't have to be an opera fan to appreciate this gorgeous, enchanting musical.
The Songs: "The Phantom of the Opera"
"All I Ask of You"
"Masquerade"
6. The Lion King
The Story: "The Lion King" is based on the Disney classic of the same name, with music by Elton John and score by Hans Zimmer. It made its Broadway debut in 1997. The musical is visually stunning; actors are in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets. It follows a young lion cub, Simba, on his journey to becoming king of the jungle. If you loved the movie, this production is for you.
The Songs: 'Circle of Life'
"I Just Can't Wait to be King"
"Hakuna Matata"
7. Mamma Mia
The Story: "Mama Mia is told through the music of the band ABBA, composed by former members Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and written by Catherine Johnson. "Mamma Mia" made its Broadway debut in 2001. It is a love story told in hit pop songs. "Mamma Mia" is tons of fun. Plus, Meryl Streep is in the movie, and Meryl Streep makes everything better.
The Songs: 'Mamma Mia'
"Dancing Queen"
"Lay All Your Love On Me"
8. Mary Poppins
The Story: "Mary Poppins" is based on the book by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film. The music and lyrics were written by the Academy Award winning Sherman brothers and made its Broadway debut in 2006. A story of two children and their magical nanny, Mary Poppins, is beloved my people of all ages.
The Songs: "A Spoonful of Sugar"
"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
"Chim Chim Cher-ee"
9. Waitress
The Story: "The Waitress" is based on the 2007 movie and created by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles. The musical made its Broadway debut just months ago, on April 24, 2016. It follows the story of Jenna who is trapped in an unhappy marriage when she becomes unexpectedly pregnant and begins an affair with her gynecologist. Looking for a way out, she sees the grand prize in a pie-making contest as her one chance. I have a been a fan of Sara Bareilles for years, and this musical definitely lives up to her usual standard of greatness.
The Songs: "What's InsideOpening Up"
"She Used To Be Mine"
"Bad Idea"
10. Hamilton
The Story: "Hamilton" was conceived while creator Lin Manuel-Miranda was on vacation reading Ron Chernow's biography on one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton (yes, the guy on the 10 dollar bill). It made its Broadway debut in August 2015. The musical tells the story of our founding fathers through rap music. Yes. Rap music. Trust me, it's incredible. If you don't trust me, at least trust its record-breaking 16 Tony nominations.
The Songs: "Alexander Hamilton"
