Everybody loves musicals like A Chorus Line, Bye Bye Birdie and Grease because of their brilliant scores and lovable tales that have been classics for ages. If you ask any non-theater person to name some musicals, they probably would name a bunch of cult-classics. Sure, many musicals may seem very overrated to some, it is all a matter of opinion. But there are a lot of musicals that are very, very underrated that are just as brilliant.
1. I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
This fabulous comedy not only has hilarious and beautiful music, but has an adorable story line. The show premiered in 1996 Off-Broadway, and had an eight year run, which is pretty long for a musical (especially Off-Broadway), so it is a shame that it is not more widely known. The central theme of the show is everything about love, dating, and relationships that you think about, but are afraid to admit. The show was pretty much made into movie form, or at least it is extremely similar to the film "27 Dresses" that stars Katherine Heigl. Not to mention the song, "Always A Bridesmaid, Never A Bride," is an amazing song that I use for almost every audition.
2. Ragtime
This is one that a lot of people already know of, but do not really know much about. "Ragtime" has a variety of different music genres, such as gospel, marches, beautiful ballads, and of course, ragtime. The show tells a story about three different "groups" in the United States of America: a white upper-class family, immigrants from Eastern Europe, and African Americans, and how eventually they all come together. Personally, I had not heard about it until 2012, when I went to go see it at a large local community theater, where a family member of mine played a lead role. I thought it was absolutely beautiful, but was saddened by how under appreciated it is. "Back to before" is a gorgeous song, but be prepared to sob your eyes out.
3. 42nd Street
42nd street takes place in the time of the Great Depression, at it's highest point. A famous actress becomes injured before starring in the debut of a new musical, and a young girl who feels as though she is a nobody replaces her and feels like a somebody. With love as a small portion of the plot, the main message is to never give up, and you will achieve incredible things. This show not only has absolutely incredible music and an interesting storyline, but the dancing is out of this world. The dancing will make you want to get out of your seat and tap along yourself. A multiple award-winning show, that debuted in 1980, that is extremely underrated. My personal favorite out of all the catchy tunes is "Getting out of town," which will surely be stuck in your head for days.
4. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
A comedic, adorable, entertaining show such as 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee should get a lot more attention than it does. The music is humorous but also very musical theater-esque. What I found very lovable about this show is that most of the roles are children, but can be played even by teenagers and young adults. The set is minimal, so it can be performed in a very intimate space. The show is mostly music, so there is not any long dragging dialogue. It is very family oriented and relatable. I saw it for the first time this past spring at my college, and I ended up seeing it four times total. It is also very interactive with the audience and gets them involved in as many ways possible, which makes it pretty cool that a show like this is able to break the "fourth wall."
5. The Rocky Horror Show
Although this one is very well known and popular, it does not get as much praise as it should. Especially to people who may not be theatrical, seeing the movie for the first time may leave people confused, or to think that the story is a bit "trippy." Other criticisms that I have heard about the show/ movie, is that there is the lack of a plot, which again, is untrue. This story does have the Brad and Janet plot along with the Transylvania with their hidden back story of how and why they came to earth, but this show is very centered around originality. Rocky Horror taught me that it is okay to be different, and to love yourself for who you are even if others try to interject. The awesome soundtrack and script written by Richard O'Brien, is just an awesome bonus to the creation.
6. Ruthless
This all female cast show centers around a woman and her jealous little daughter, who is shaken up by the news that she was not cast as the lead in the school musical, but is cast as the understudy,and acts very poorly upon this. The music is very similar to Annie Get Your Gun, and Gypsy, two very widely known musicals. Not only is this show very cute and enjoyable, but it received several awards for it's music's lyrics. If you would like a taste of what the show is like, "Born to entertain" is the perfect starter song.
7. 13!
Jason Robert Brown is an exquisite composer, bringing the truths and secrets of middle school life to the stage. This show centers an entire cast of young kids who are (or just turning) thirteen, and their every day lives and troubles of middle school. Although very relatable and funny, this show is a tear jerker. The main plot is about a young boy who just moved from New York City, to a small and deserted town in Indiana. He is about to turn thirteen and have his Bar-Mitzvah (which is a big deal!), and wants to fit in and make friends, however things take a turn. The message is very heart-felt, and is displayed beautifully through the lyrics and songs.
8. Memphis
The way I explain this show to people is that it is like Hairspray, Rent, and Kinky Boots had a baby. It is kind of like a Romeo and Juliet forbidden love kind of story, but it is based on race. It takes place in the 1950's when a Caucasian man named Huey starts hanging out in an African American rock and roll bar, and falls in love with an African American woman named Felicia who is a very talented singer. The show ran for three years on Broadway, and there is not much heard about it around since. This show is heart warming and lovable, with absolutely brilliant music. "Steal Your Rock and Roll," is a very positive song that will make you want to get up and rock out!
9. Once Upon A Mattress
Many people know the story of "the princess and the pea," the old fairytale about a princess who discovers a small tiny pea under her mattress that was placed there to test her sensitivity. The stage show is a musical comedy, with very bubbly, light hearted music. There have been film adaptions of this show for screen, Carol Burnett starring in all three of them. With lovable characters like the Jester, the King, and Princess Winifred herself, the show is extremely cute, and oriented for all ages! Though there is usually minimal dance for this show, it is vocally demanding for such an incredible score with such a different musical theater feel. It is very similar to Spamalot and Into the Woods in the musical and dialogue sense.
