Musical theatre is a beautiful art form. It is an amazing blend of acting, dancing and singing that has been drawing audiences into theaters for decades. But with the thousands of musicals that have been written, there are some that are just better than the rest. Here is my personal list of my Top 10 Best Musicals of All Time.
10. "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
A fun combination of competitive spelling and audience participation, this musical is sure to please all who see it. Along with the six main spellers, the show includes four audience members to participate in the spelling fun. Because of this audience participation, there are no two similar performances (which will never cease to keep audiences watching).
9. "Les Miserables"
As a more serious historical fiction, “Les Mis” is a heartwarming story of love, struggle and triumph. This musical is sure to make you cry, with a few laughs here and there. With a great soundtrack, this is not a show you want to miss.
8. "Chicago"
With murder, sex and sick dance moves, Chicago will have you singing and dancing in your seat. Chicago is a female-driven musical highlighting two murderesses during the era of Prohibition. This raunchy musical will unleash your wild side with classic songs like "Cell Block Tango."
7. "Seussical"
"Seussical" is sure to bring you back to your childhood with your favorite characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and the Whos of Whoville. When Horton loses the clover with the Whos on it, he tries to help them alongside Gertrude McFuzz, the bird with the one-feathered tail who loves Horton no matter what.
6. "Godspell"
Godspell is a wholesome family show that does not fail to tell the stories of the Bible through showy song and dance. This is truly an ensemble show that highlights the strengths of each cast member throughout the show. This show will shift your view of faith with its beautiful themes.
5. "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown"
This newspaper-comic-turned-musical is an amazing piece that will warm your heart and make you laugh. Although this show does not really have a fluid plot, it works very well. It highlights the lives of children, spontaneous and unpredictable
4. "Phantom of the Opera"
With a mysterious leading male and a graceful leading female, "Phantom" is a story of love, lust and loss. This show includes a variety of music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ranging from melodic ballads to rock ballads sure to get your heart pumping. "Phantom" is currently the longest-running show on Broadway, with almost 12,000 performances since 1988.
3. "Evita"
Another Webber musical, "Evita" is a rock opera that puts a modern twist on a 1940s biographical story. "Evita" takes audiences through the life of Eva Peron, the First Lady who seduced Argentina with her charm and her money. With a large ensemble and a small principal cast, you truly need a powerful cast to make this show great.
2. "Cats"
Yet another musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, "Cats," based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot, tells the story of a group of Jellicle cats who fight to prove they are worthy enough to ascend to the Heavyside Layer and come back to a new life. With its flashy musical numbers and challenging choreography, this is a musical that everyone who loves musicals should enjoy.
1 . "The Sound of Music"
"The Sound of Music" is a heartwarming story of a governess who changes the lives of seven children through music and discipline. Usually, any movie adaptation cannot compare to the musical. But Julie Andrews completely crushed the role with her beautiful voice and beautiful personality.
