With BroadwayCon happening this weekend (sadly will not be in attendance), I figured that there must be a core list of Broadway shows one must see. Broadway has produced thousands of musicals and plays since the dawn of theatrical creation. If we were going to cover them all, I'd run out of space to write them all. However, this is for the non-Broadway enthusiast from a theater enthusiast. Although many enjoy a good show, not all who attend are genuine theatre lovers, rather those stopping by just for a night on the town. This list is to change their minds to come back.
1. Aladdin
2. Wicked
For those who love The Wizard of Oz, imagine that spun upside down. This classic Broadway show focuses on the Wicked Witch of the West and how she becomes who she is—not in the way intended. This show is a classic and continues to be a powerful show almost 15 years later. Its orchestration, staging, and acting are amazing, and is a must see on every person's list.
3. Hamilton
If you have been living under a rock for the past year and know only one musical name, it better be this one. Hamilton is Broadway's most popular musical at the time of this publication. Being sold out since June of 2015, it may be a bit impossible to garter tickets for, but the show is one for the record books. It takes the life of Alexander Hamilton (that guy on the ten dollar bill you probably haven't heard of) and spins it into a brilliantly written hip-hop musical. Just the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda puts this show on the list as a must-see (if you have a spare ticket lying around, please tell me and I'll join you).
4. Kinky Boots
A perfect musical for the times. This musical brings out its message, "Be Who You Wanna Be!" This show takes failure to profit as a shoemaker decides to flip his market around to create men's stilettos. With music by Cyndi Lauper, this show is so much fun to watch. The message shows itself quickly and is timely, and the music is fabulous, happy, sad, and inspiring.
5. Beautiful: The Carol King Musical
Shout out to my dad, the most non-theater theatergoer I know. He's been dying to see this one and it is a must-see for fans of Carol King. The show takes place throughout the course of Carol King's life and focuses on her music (what she performed and what she wrote). If you want an excellent dose of nostalgia, this is the show to see.
6. The Lion King
Disney makes a second appearance on this list for the miraculous work that has been dazzling audiences for decades. This show, with its outstanding puppeteering and music, adds more to the classic film. Right from the opening, it has people standing and cheering. It is visually stunning and very entertaining. There are even some modern references as the show has changed from time to time. Overall, a classic and must be seen.
7. The Book of Mormon
Putting this on the list is a bit risky. This musical definitely has the word raunchy slammed all over it (the creators of this show also wrote South Park), so if you get offended easily, stay away. Otherwise, what an excellent show! Mormon takes all the humor of South Park and shoves it into a heartfelt musical. It is hysterical and you immediately start laughing at the first doorbell. Just do me a favor and don't take the kids, or there will be a lot of explaining needed.
8. The Phantom of the Opera
Another Broadway classic, this show has been entertaining audiences for almost 30 years. And it still has the same values as it did 30 years earlier. Each Phantom dons the same rich voice as the previous, and each Christine has an amazing voice, none the less. The show brings the chandelier down every night (literally) and audiences are stunned each time! A must-see show if you haven't seen it (or have seen it, but cannot remember it).
9. School of Rock
Remember that movie with Jack Black taking over as a teacher just to make a paycheck? Yeah, they made that into a musical. But it is not a typical show. It has a lot of fun rock and roll numbers and tons of talented children! The children do in fact play the instruments and it's incredible. It's basically a concert with encouraged clapping and dancing.
10. Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
Anyone who knows me well enough knows this show is one of my personal favorites (hence why this is my personal recommendation on this list). The show, based on a 70 page sliver of Tolstoy's War and Peace, is one of the most unique experiences I have ever sat through. Although the book title is a pain, a handy summary is provided in the program. Yet once the show starts, it is just a sight to see. This show has it all: actors interacting with the audience, pierogies and noise shakers distributed, klezmer and electro pop combined, and for added effect, Grammy-Winner, Josh Groban, thrown in the mix.
11. Dear Evan Hansen
If you're looking for a feel good and extremely relatable show, there is no better option than this one. This show is a tearjerker. It combines the firestorm known as social media, teenage problems, and music all into one harmonious show. It's guaranteed to be up there in the Tony nominations this year. If you want to have a connection with a show, this is the show to see.
12. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Finally, I conclude this list with the only show not even opened yet, but is making its debut later this spring. I had the pleasure of seeing it in London. This show takes the childhood book and makes a dark, yet satisfying, musical. Headlined by Christian Borle, this show will bring your childhood back and bring reminiscence to the old film with Gene Wilder.
So, those are my picks! Maybe as spring break approaches, a trip to the theater may be on your mind after reading this.
