If you're already immersed in the sacred art of musical theatre, you will probably be nodding along to all of these Broadway masterpieces. If you haven't seen at least one of these amazing shows, it's always a great time to get started! If not, revival shows are always a thing. Enjoy!
1. "A Chorus Line" 1975
This riveting musical tells of the hardships and desperation that comes with auditions for Broadway and getting roles in acting. It showcases different people that all come to achieve one common goal: get in. With such fantastic numbers such as "I Hope I Get It" and "One," this is one show that you won't want to miss if they ever do a revamp.
2. "Annie" 1977
Set in the worst of the Great Depression, the show centers around the fiery orphan Annie, who gets the opportunity to spend a short time with the esteemed millionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Annie truly takes you along for the ride as she dodges scams, searches for her real parents, and finds love in the most unexpected of places.
3. "Cats" 1982
Full of extraordinary dance numbers and costumes to match, this musical tells the story of the Jellicle cats attending the Jellicle Ball, introducing themselves and hoping to be chosen by Old Deuteronomy to be reborn into a new life. With famous songs like "Memory" and "The Rum Tum Tugger," you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat with each leap into the air.
4. "Les Miserables" 1987
Set on the brink of the French Revolution, the audience follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, as he attempts to hide from Javert, the chief of police, raise Cosette, the daughter of the gorgeous yet unlucky Fantine, and stay in control of the turbulent politics of the time. With heart-wrenching songs like "I Dreamed A Dream" and "The People's Song," and "One Day More," you'll be laughing and crying with the actors.
5. "The Phantom of the Opera" 1988
A man with a disfigured face lives under the Paris Opera House falls in love with a beautiful singer named Christine. The story unfolds as he begins to "haunt" the owners to persuade them to give her the starring role in the opera. With chilling tunes such as "The Music of the Night" and "Think of Me," this is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
6. "Beauty and the Beast" 1994
This tale as old as time tells of beasts, love and jealousy that mirrors the tale of Belle and the Beast most of us can recognize from the animated film. With amazing transformations, magical vocals and outstanding musical numbers like "Gaston" and "Be Our Guest," it's no wonder that this can still be one of the most successful Broadway musicals of its time.
7. "Rent" 1996
A filmmaker and his musician roommate struggle to find inspiration and genius in their respective arts when they stumble upon a young neighbor searching for love. Along the way, an estranged girlfriend-turned lesbian and her lawyer lover push for protesting, and a beautiful drag queen and his strong, homeless boyfriend fight through the hardship of AIDS, rent, vocation and love.
8. "Chicago" 1996
The story falls Roxie Hart as she murders her lover and soon after becomes a celebrity in a cynically hilarious journey through a criminal justice system filled with corruption and deception. You'll be shaking your jazz hands along with songs like "All That Jazz" and "Razzle Dazzle," kicking off your heels to the jazzy numbers one after the other.
9. "The Lion King" 1997
The famous Disney movie jumps off screen and onto the stage in the biggest production Broadway has ever seen. With intricately designed animal costumes and an astounding cast of amazing performers, you'll be singing along to "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" and "Circle of Life" along with the best of them.
10. "Mamma Mia" 2001
Set in the isles of Greece, this upbeat masterpiece incorporates 23 original songs from the famous pop group ABBA, unraveling a story of a hopeful bride-to-be, her free-spirited mother, and three men from her mother's past, each of which could be her father. This musicals puts their audience through every emotion possible as they learn to dance, cry, laugh and love.
11. "Wicked" 2003
This esteemed musical tells the untold story of Elphaba and her journey to transforming into the Wicked Witch of the West alongside her best friend Galinda (Glinda), formally known as the Good Witch. With mind-blowing vocals, a phenomenal storyline and outstanding characters, this musical teaches that everything is not as it first seems
