If you know anything about Broadway plays or musicals, you know that the hottest show at the moment is "Hamilton." The show, written (book, music, and lyrics) by Lin-Manuel Miranda focuses on the life of founding father -- you guessed it -- Alexander Hamilton.
It was inspired by historian Ron Chernow’s 2004 biography but is told with a modern hip-hop, rap, and pop twist. The passionate lyrics and genius score bring these historical figures that we are so familiar with to life in a new way, and that is conceivably what draws so many people to the show, which is sold out until January 2017.
The soundtrack is amazing, and -- based on what I hear from people who have actually seen the show -- everything else is as well. But is it really worth a $1,500 ticket? (That’s not a joke that’s a real price I found online.)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m obsessed; I am currently listening to the soundtrack as I write this article. I just want to remind people not to stress, if they can’t find affordable tickets. There are plenty of other great shows to see while you’re in the city!
One of the best musicals that I have seen on Broadway thus far is "Fun Home." Like "Hamilton," the music has a modern pop feel (no rapping in this though, so it’s safe to bring your mom). It is based on the biographical graphic novel of the same name by Alison Bechdel, which tells the story of her childhood.
She focuses on her relationship with her closeted gay father and her realization that she too is gay. This energetic and colorful show will leave you both laughing and in tears.
"Kinky Boots" is another exciting pop-style musical (with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper) that is currently on Broadway. It takes place in Northampton, England where a young man inherits a shoe factory from his father and decides to revamp the business by working with a drag queen to produce a line of high-heel boots for men. The show is a blast and a half, and believe it or not it is based on and inspired by true events.
Another show that you should definitely try to see is Deaf West’s "Spring Awakening." This revival and adaptation of an already-beautiful show will take your breath away. The original musical is an adaptation of the 1906 play (by the same name) that focuses on the sexual and intellectual awakening of a group of teenagers in the late 19th century.
In the latest revival, most of the characters are double cast with one deaf actor who signs their lines and the lyrics of the songs while a second actor speaks and sings for them. The dynamics between the two actors working in tandem to present one character makes for an absolutely outstanding performance.
I’m sure many of you reading this are familiar with "Les Misérables," as it was just made into a movie in 2012. I can assure you that the film does not do the show justice. This riveting operetta is about the life of a man, Jean Valjean after he served 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, and the struggle of a group young radicals in the revolutionary period in France. It is powerful and dramatic, and you have to see it soon because it is closing on Sept. 4 of this year. So hurry up and buy tickets!
"An American in Paris" is a show that I saw recently after I, sadly, did not win the "Hamilton" lottery. As disappointed as I was, my spirits were lifted as soon as the curtain opened for this classic musical. Inspired by the 1951 film of the same title, the show presents a story of love and recovery in the aftermath of World War II. It begins with the liberation of Paris from the Vichy Regime and follows the life of a painter and war veteran, Jerry, who falls in love with a mysterious French ballerina, who is engaged to another man. The show incorporates wonderful music with unique scenic and lighting design and gorgeous costumes. It is entirely underrated, in my opinion.
