Over the past two years, I’ve seen over 20 musicals-either live or online. I’ve compiled a list of my top five favorites (in no particular order) and reasons why I think you should see them at some point in your lifetime as well.
1. The Last Five Years
I have seen the movie version with Anna Kendrick (Cathy Hiatt) and Jeremy Jordan (Jamie Wellerstein) probably over 15 times, and I fall in love with it over and over again. In summary, it’s about a struggling actress and her novelist boyfriend’s love affair and their marriage taking place over a five-year period. Do NOT watch this if you want a Disney “happily ever after” story, this is almost the opposite. The story is told almost entirely through song, using a changing timeline method; Cathy’s songs begin at the end of the marriage and move backward in time while Jamie’s songs start at the beginning of their relationship and move forward in time. The timeline meets in the middle when Jamie proposes. It is a little confusing at first, but you will soon catch on as the musical moves forward. I highly recommend to someone looking for a musical with beautiful melodies, aesthetic, and storyline. (This version is available on Netflix right now.)
2. Next to Normal
I am not going to lie, I watched the bootleg version of this on YouTube with the original Broadway cast, and I do feel a little horrible and guilty for doing so, but in all honesty, you should watch it too. Next to Normal is a rock musical that follows a mother’s struggle with mental illness, and the effects the illness has on her family. The first time I watched this, I was amazed to discover that the cast is composed of only six characters. This small group showcases powerhouse vocals while exploring grieving a loss, family meaning, and the treatment of mental health. This is a deeply moving piece of theater that I would love to see live. This musical has moments of comedy but does not lose its real emotions and problems. The scenic design and choreography are simple--leaving the focus on the storyline, music, and interactions between characters. I do warn that you will probably end up crying at some point during the show; it is a sad one for sure.
3. Hamilton: An American Musical
Ok, where do I even start with this one? If you don’t already know, or have been living under a rock for the past year, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton is groundbreaking. I was one of the lucky people to have seen this musical on Broadway earlier last summer and I still haven’t been able to brush it aside. Never in my life have I considered myself a rap fan, but when the rap is about the founding fathers of America and is sarcastic, biting, hilarious, heartbreaking, and completely true, I am so there. Everything about this show is impossibly perfect. I even guarantee one who isn’t a fan of the theater will find this show amazing. Within the next two years, Hamilton will be in more cities than just “the greatest city in the world.” So don’t worry, you’ll be able to get your hands on tickets soon enough.
4. RENT
Once again, this musical is one that I’m dying to see live. I have watched the movie version multiple times and have introduced my friends to it as well-receiving very positive reactions. The film follows the lives of NYC Bohemians and their struggles with drugs, paying rent, and life with AIDS. This show is catchy and lively, but it also conveys a deeper theme of passion and importance of remaining true to one’s art. I think this is a show that everyone can relate to in one way or another. (This version is available on Netflix right now.)
5. Les Misérables
You don’t have to speak French to watch this musical. This is the first musical with real actors instead of cartoons or animals that I watched, as far as I can remember, and is the first show I memorized all the lyrics to. I have seen this show live along with the movie version multiple times. The story follows a prisoner, Jean Valjean, who breaks his parole to create a new life for himself while living under the grip of a persistent Inspector Javert. It’s set in post-revolutionary France, around the time of the June Rebellion. Les Mis will make you feel intensely emotional and patriotic with its ravishing romance and inspiring action. I highly recommend this musical to someone looking for a show with heartbreaking performances, deep emotion, and costume/set design that are nothing short of genius.
