I may be a bit biased being a theatre major, but I think one of the best ways to spend time is by watching plays and musicals. Summer tends to be one of the best times to see live theatre because there is usually a fair amount of local summer stock theatre companies that put on professional-level performances. However, a majority of summer stock theatre has been canceled for the remainder of 2020 due to circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. With that being said there is still a way to get your summer theatre fix from the comfort of your home. There are streaming services dedicated to live performances such as BroadwayHD but they often have a limited selection. There is a surprising amount of live recorded and movie musicals available to watch on popular streaming services.

Hello Dolly

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"Hello Dolly" is a 1969 movie musical comedy directed by "Singin' in the Rain" star Gene Kelly that stars legendary diva Barbara Streisand in the titular role. The musical takes place in New York City during the 1890's and follows the widowed matchmaker Dolly Levi as she tries to help her latest client. You can stream "Hello Dolly" on Disney+.

Gypsy

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This 1962 movie musical drama is based off a 1957 autobiography entitled "Gypsy: A Memoir" about the famous striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee (born Rose Louise Hovick). The film stars Natalie Wood details her life with her fame-hungry overbearing mother, Mama Rose who obsessed over her younger sister June. Mama Rose rather unsuccessfully tries to push both her daughters into the entertainment industry. June decides to leave the industry and elope and Rose continues to try and find work for her less promising daughter. This leads to Louise performing at a burlesque house and transforming herself into Gypsy Rose Lee without the influence of Mama Rose. Stream "Gypsy" on Hulu.

Newsies

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Stream "Newsies" filmed live on-stage at the Pantages Theatre on Disney +. "Newsies" is a musical based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899. It features plenty of catchy tunes, impressive dancing, angsty newsboys, and an amazing cast that includes Jeremy Jordan and Kara Lindsay among others.

Shrek The Musical

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"Shrek The Musical" is based on the 2001 Dreamworks Animation movie "Shrek" and also features various elements of the sequels. The musical is absolutely hilarious and features some very catchy tunes. Stream "Shrek The Musical" filmed live at the Broadway Theatre on Netflix.

Annie

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Stream the 1999 movie musical "Annie" on Disney+. The movie is another recreation of the well-known tale of little orphan Annie. The movie features a star-studded cast that includes Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Bates, Sarah Hyland, and Victor Garber.

Jersey Boys

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This 2014 jukebox movie musical was directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the 2005 Broadway musical by the same name. The film dramatizes the real-life formation of the 1960's rock 'n' roll group The Four Seasons as well as their success and breakup. Stream "Jersey Boys" on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

The Sound of Music

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This 1965 musical drama starring Julie Andrews is available to stream on Disney+. The film is based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name. The musical is based on the real-life story of Von Trapp Family Singers and how they fled Austria following the invasion of Hitler.

Funny Girl

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This 1964 musical comedy-drama film is based off a Broadway musical of the same name and stars Barbara Streisand as leading lady Fanny Brice. The musical is loosely based on the life and career of comedian and film and Broadway star Fanny Brice and her tumultuous relationship with entrepreneur Nicky Arnstein. "Funny Girl" features well-known tunes such as the show-stopping "Don't Rain On My Parade". Stream "Funny Girl" on Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Grease

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Stream this classic movie musical on Hulu or Amazon Prime. This 1978 film is based on the 1971 musical by the same name and stars John Travolta as Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson.