Musical Starter Pack!
5 Musicals to know for those who don’t know anything about musicals
As someone who spends far too much time listening to musical theatre soundtracks, I find myself meeting many people who, though super keen about MT, don’t know where to begin when it comes to the world of musical theatre. So, I have put together a few musicals of different kinds for those who may want to get to know some more about the musical world!
(Note: these musicals are one I would personally recommend and are based more on being well-known. You won’t find any obscure musicals on this list)
The All-Rounder: Hamilton
For the first feature on my list, I have to go with Hamilton. The 2015 musical is a modern classic and combines Hip-Hop, rap and traditional MT style numbers to create a musical that is almost universally known and adored, especially with the release of the filmed version on Disney+. It’s practically guaranteed that if you walk into a room of musical theatre kids and begin rapping ‘My Shot’ that at least five other people will join in.
Notable numbers: ‘My Shot’, ‘Satisfied’ and ‘The Room Where It Happens’
The Golden Age Classic: West Side Story
West Side Story is Romeo and Juliet retelling set in mid-1950s New York. With a new movie adaptation on its way, now is a better time than ever to revisit it. It is arguably one of Stephen Sondheim’s (a famous composer and lyricist known for “redefining the American musical”) best musicals, and a great example of the genius of his work in musical theatre. With a truly beautiful and cleverly composed soundtrack, this is one of the best Golden Age (period from 1943-1959) musicals
Notable numbers: ‘Tonight’ (both versions), ‘Somewhere’ and ‘America’
The Subversive Masterpiece: Chicago
Looking for something jazzier? Let me introduce you to Chicago. Set in jazz-age (you guessed it) Chicago, the musical follows Roxy as she becomes a “celebrity criminal”. Featuring cabaret-style numbers and numerous classics, the musical is the longest running musical on Broadway. If you’re looking for some razzle-dazzle, the merry murderesses of Chicago are where you’ll find it!
Notable numbers: ‘Cell Block Tango’, ‘Roxie’ and ‘Razzle Dazzle’
For the Movie Fan: Legally Blonde
If you’d rather begin with something you’re more familiar with like your favourite movie, you’re in luck! Many musicals from the last few years have been film adaptations. To name a few there’s: Beetlejuice, Mean Girls, Anastasia, Amelie, Groundhog Day, Heathers, School of Rock, Waitress, etc…And while all those musicals are amazing in their own right, the most well-known and in my opinion, fun, musical is Legally Blonde.
The show is easy to find on youtube and is absolutely infectious in how joyous it is. Following and, in my opinion, improving upon the classic 2000s movie, the musical gives you all the pomp, catchiness and feminism that you could want!
Notable numbers: ‘There! Right There!’, ‘So Much Better’ and ‘Whipped Into Shape’
For the Pop Inclined: Six
Based on the lives of the 6 wives of Henry VIII, the show is full of upbeat pop songs, even around the darkest of subjects. Much like Legally Blonde, the soundtrack is catchy and infectious and it is absolutely ridiculous how long I had ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’, ironically, stuck in my head. The show also preaches a strong message of womanhood and feminism and you can’t help but feel joyful by the final number, ‘Six’.
Notable numbers: ‘Ex-Wives’, ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’, ‘All You Wanna Do’ and ‘Six’
-Cece Walker