I haven’t always been this way. I swear. It all happened when I was introduced to this amazing world, a world far greater than I could have ever imagined. It was my sophomore year of high school, a time of experiment, growth, and awkwardness. Things were changing, both in my life and in the world. It was the year that I was introduced to Broadway musicals, a year that created a monster.
Now, you’re probably thinking I’m insane, they’re just musicals. They can’t seriously be as life altering and special as all of the other things that happened during sophomore year. You’re probably right, there are, and were, far more important things in the world besides some musicals. However, going to see my first Broadway show set a fire in me that I didn’t know I had. There are something about Broadway shows that keep me hooked and begging for more. I have become a Broadway snob. I am the girl that you talk to who has seen certain shows countless times and knows the lyrics to all the songs. I am the girl who will preach how not having any experience of Broadway shows makes you an uncultured swine. So, I am absolutely the type of girl to rank the shows that I have seen, so le'ts go.
1. Phantom of the Opera
This show, a pure classic, was the third show that I had ever seen, and honestly, it was the best. Obviously, twenty some odd years running, they ought to know what they’re doing. The entire plot, which can at times be hard to follow, is still executed perfectly and in such beautiful way that you’re guaranteed to cry. You absolutely have to see this show.
2. Wicked
The second show I’ve ever seen. It was really hard to put this second because the music is extremely related and well crafted. Plus we have all seen the "Wizard of Oz," so having an interesting spin-off about the evil bitch and why she is an evil bitch is always nice.
3. Les Miserables
Victor Hugo wrote a fantastic book about France before, during, and after the Revolution that literally moved my soul and my heart. So how could the show not be good, right? The music, the feeling, the costumes, and sets. Amazing show.
4. Chicago
WOMEN RULE THE WORLD, even if they are in prison for murdering their loser husbands, or lovers, or things with penises. The show is set in Chicago in the 1920s, and let me tell you, the roaring 20s were an amazing time for these women.
5. Mamma Mia
I saw this show right before it closed, and I wish I had seen it earlier. It was hysterical and had me dancing in my seat.
6. The Lion King
"The Lion King" is a movie that we all grew up with and watched over and over again, trying to understand why the hell Scar murdered Mufasa. So now, there is a live version that we can watch as adults and not feel like immature beings. The live version has a unique way of depicting the lion characters, and it does make you laugh. However, at times you find yourself constantly comparing the show to the movie version, which really takes away from the enjoyment (as stated by one of my friends who has also seen the show).
7. Something Rotten
So, I saw this because I was in the City and had some free time. The tickets were cheap, and the seats were good so I figured why not. It was terrible, some parts were actually pretty good, but it was just a very odd show with no really story line and a disco theme about Shakespeare. Why?
Overally, all Broadway shows are amazing and everyone should see one at least once in their lifetime. The list above is what I’ve managed to see since my first time, and I can honestly say I haven’t been disappointed, except with the Lion King, because I really wanted Elton John to pop out of somewhere and sing.
