1. Hair:
Hair is my all time favorite musical. I knew the music from the show before I had ever saw it or realized that the songs were from this play. I have a deep love of the "hippie counter culture" that took place in the 1960's. I'm pretty sure that I lived a past life during that time and have been told that by a multitude of different people my entire life. Hair is a snapshot of people living their lives during the height of the Vietnam war and the reality of the draft and young men dying by the thousands. There is nothing more heartbreaking than Claude singing "Flesh Failures" and hearing the words of Shakespeare being combined with sorrow and loss of life. ("Eyes look your last, Arms take you last embrace" from Romeo and Juliet.) Even through the horrible pain and loss of their friend, the group still tries to "Let the Sunshine In" and live their lives as full as they could for the one that they lost. I was also highly impressed with the actors participation with the audience which is encouraged during this show. This is also a highly controversial and historic show with full nudity, transgender, and strong language. There is a reason this show has been banned over and over again, but there is a reason to keep coming back to this show over and over again. As my Mom likes to say, don't forget to bring your flashlight!
2. Wicked:
I have never been so impressed with a more beautiful set in my entire life. I had no idea so much could be done with sets, lights, and how they can move actors around by defying gravity. Not only that, but this story is one of the only ones centered around how strong the female friendship could be. It also ties nicely into the world of the Wizard of Oz with lots of nods and winks to the famous show and books. The lyrics to the songs are well thought out and like the main characters, are two sides which are both beautiful and tragic at the same time. For example, there is a lyric where Glenda is singing that she couldn't be happier because she got everything she wanted, but in that moment she realizes what it costs her. There is a love story, a underdog, a popular girl, a struggle with a family, school, politics, and the complex/simplicity of the strong bonds of friendship. There is nothing more complex, and beautiful than the music that matches the very strong tone of love and friendship in this musical.
3. Rent:
The exact opposite can be said about Rent and their sets. I have never been so impressed with what you could do with little to no sets and still maintain a very strong story. Rent takes place in the 80's during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Each one of the characters are effected by the diseases either themselves, or know someone who is struggling. The show follows a group of poor, artists who struggle with poverty and art. The most important part of this story is learning how to live with an illness that is killing them, which could be transcended to any illness. One song asks over and over if they are going to lose their dignity, and if anyone cares? Simple lines with some much behind them makes this one of the best musicals out there, reminding you that there is no day but today and to measure the moments of your life in love.
4. Rocky Horror Show:
I'm not talking about the movie, I am talking about the musical the movie was based on. If you have seen the movie then you are familiar with the story of Janet, Brad and their crazy night at Frankenstein's place. However, there is nothing like seeing this show live because most of the time there is encouraged audience participation and interaction. The sets range from expensive to the back of a movie theater. Every single time I go see this live, I not only meet some amazing people, but I am surprised and impressed with how different each performances are. If you are looking for a fun time, go to this show. Keep in mind this is not family friendly by any means.
4. Cabaret:
Sally Bowles.., once you realize that this character has been around since 1932 you tend to have more respect and awe for her. The most free spirited, clueless, and tortured artist that has ever been portrayed on stage with the style of Bob Fosse. The show centers around Sally, her lovers, and her life in the Cabaret. It's an ominous situation as Sally goes though her life as carefree as possible while World War 2 is going on around her. Sally is almost immune to the horror around her quite possibly not understanding the real danger which is just like what she is going through in her personal life. She creates havoc but she keeps going because she's an artist. Sally is an innocent and very likable which is wonderful because if you didn't root for her, you may despise her. That is the beauty of the parallel going on throughout this show.
5. Bye Bye Birdie:
If you aren't an Elvis fan then you probably should skip this song and dance number about singer Conrad Birdie going off to war which of course is the basis of this comedy. There are many classic moments in this classic sing a long story of teenage girls and their idol, and his manger fighting to find his own true love. If you have ever been a teenage girl, you will love this play and look back with nostalgia! This is truly a lot of fun, especially the phone scene!
6. Hairspray:
The story of Baltimore's big hair, big heart, big dancer Tracy Turnblad is based off of the great John Water's movie of the same name. For once, a big girl is at the center of the musical full of fun, dance, and purpose. This show tackles sexism, racism, and of course body issues. This show takes place in the 60's where Tracy wants to be a dancer on her favorite TV show. However, they aren't ready for a big girl, and they aren't ready to expand beyond an all white cast.. Tracy becomes an unlikely hero and helpful voice to those who are being oppressed. What a fun, and beautiful, upbeat story with many good life lessons!
7. Chicago:
Another Fosse inspired dance number following a young woman, Roxie Hart going from wanna be famous to infamous. In Chicago, you can be anything, including a person who becomes a celebrity by killing and that's exactly what lands Roxie in the hot seat. She kills her lover and hires a lawyer to help her get off. The song and dance shows how easy guilt and innocence is bought and sold, as long as you have the charm and the look. Roxie just doesn't just have to worry about her trial, but keeping her name in the news to make sure people don't forget who she is. Her fellow jail mate is the famous singer and dancer Velma who also is playing the same spotlight game. They are surrounded by women who are accused of murder and mayhem, which is just another day in Chicago.
8. Spam A Lot
Seriously, if you don't like Monty Python or are familiar with their work, then you better prepare yourself by watching their movies! Then go see this wonderful satire! You know the humor. You know you are going to love it! Go see this show because no one expects the Spanish Inquisition.
9. The Song of Music:
The tale of the former nun turned nanny to a family of singing Von Traps. Everyone knows these songs and they hold a very special place in my heart. Both my parents sang these songs to me when I was little. You know the story. You have most likely seen the movie, but do yourself a favor and see the stage version. It brings more to life than the screen ever will!
10. Rock of Ages:
If you ever had to choose between going to a rock show, and seeing a musical you can do both with Rock of Ages. This is literally like going to a concert! Please, do not watch that POS movie!!!!! They butchered the story and casts a whole bunch of dumb asses who can't act or sing! It is a story as old as time. Girl follows dreams of being a singer, ends up in LA as a waitress, falls in love, cheats on boy with big time singer, leaves waitress job to become a stripper, and eventually finds her way back to boy. While boy who dreams of being a rock star works at same bar, gets girl job, falls in love and puts himself in the friend zone, leaves girl behind to peruse music career, music career becomes less than he hoped, finds himself and his girl. The bar: meets people, people protect the bar, and there is lots of talk about Arby's. Seriously, this show is a lot of fun with power ballads from the 80's. This is worth seeing. Just never, ever watch that god damn movie!!
5. Bye Bye Birdie:
If you aren't an Elvis fan then you probably should skip this song and dance number about singer Conrad Birdie going off to war which of course is the basis of this comedy. There are many classic moments in this classic sing a long story of teenage girls and their idol, and his manger fighting to find his own true love. If you have ever been a teenage girl, you will love this play and look back with nostalgia! This is truly a lot of fun, especially the phone scene!
6. Hairspray:
The story of Baltimore's big hair, big heart, big dancer Tracy Turnblad is based off of the great John Water's movie of the same name. For once, a big girl is at the center of the musical full of fun, dance, and purpose. This show tackles sexism, racism, and of course body issues. This show takes place in the 60's where Tracy wants to be a dancer on her favorite TV show. However, they aren't ready for a big girl, and they aren't ready to expand beyond an all white cast.. Tracy becomes an unlikely hero and helpful voice to those who are being oppressed. What a fun, and beautiful, upbeat story with many good life lessons!
7. Chicago:
Another Fosse inspired dance number following a young woman, Roxie Hart going from wanna be famous to infamous. In Chicago, you can be anything, including a person who becomes a celebrity by killing and that's exactly what lands Roxie in the hot seat. She kills her lover and hires a lawyer to help her get off. The song and dance shows how easy guilt and innocence is bought and sold, as long as you have the charm and the look. Roxie just doesn't just have to worry about her trial, but keeping her name in the news to make sure people don't forget who she is. Her fellow jail mate is the famous singer and dancer Velma who also is playing the same spotlight game. They are surrounded by women who are accused of murder and mayhem, which is just another day in Chicago.
8. Spam A Lot
Seriously, if you don't like Monty Python or are familiar with their work, then you better prepare yourself by watching their movies! Then go see this wonderful satire! You know the humor. You know you are going to love it! Go see this show because no one expects the Spanish Inquisition.
9. The Song of Music:
The tale of the former nun turned nanny to a family of singing Von Traps. Everyone knows these songs and they hold a very special place in my heart. Both my parents sang these songs to me when I was little. You know the story. You have most likely seen the movie, but do yourself a favor and see the stage version. It brings more to life than the screen ever will!
10. Rock of Ages:
If you ever had to choose between going to a rock show, and seeing a musical you can do both with Rock of Ages. This is literally like going to a concert! Please, do not watch that POS movie!!!!! They butchered the story and casts a whole bunch of dumb asses who can't act or sing! It is a story as old as time. Girl follows dreams of being a singer, ends up in LA as a waitress, falls in love, cheats on boy with big time singer, leaves waitress job to become a stripper, and eventually finds her way back to boy. While boy who dreams of being a rock star works at same bar, gets girl job, falls in love and puts himself in the friend zone, leaves girl behind to peruse music career, music career becomes less than he hoped, finds himself and his girl. The bar: meets people, people protect the bar, and there is lots of talk about Arby's. Seriously, this show is a lot of fun with power ballads from the 80's. This is worth seeing. Just never, ever watch that god damn movie!!
