This is a subjective list of what I believe to be some of the best musicals of all time along with critiques for them (spoilers ahead).
- La La Land- This musical follows the love story of a young woman trying to make it as an actress and a young man trying to make it as a jazz musician in Hollywood. It is the first truly modern musical, and it takes place in a mix between Los Angeles in the forties and fifties and Los Angeles modern day. Despite its very tragic ending where the two lovers do not end up together, La La Land is a very feel good movie with up-beat original music.
- Grease- In my opinion, this was the first truly successful live-action musical that sparked the creation of many more modern musicals. It follows the relationship of an Australian girl and an American boy attending Rydell High school in the fifties. It stars Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, two huge actors. Although the movie has slightly provacative parts, it was way ahead of its time. Not to mention, our school musical this year revolves around this story. Be sure to go see it this spring.
- Hairspray- This musical takes place in Baltimore in the sixties in the middle of segregation. It follows an overweight girl, Tracy, who dreams of being on the “Corny Collins Show”, a dancing show. Tracy is all for integration and works very hard to make it onto the show and eventually integrate the show. The movie stars Michelle Pfeifer, John Travolta, Zac Efron, Queen Latifah and many more talented musicians and actors. This musical is a perfect mix of politics, dancing, and music.
- Mamma Mia- This musical follows the wedding planning of a young girl living on an island off of Greece. She does not know who her father is, but she knows it is one of three men, so she invites all three to her wedding, much to her mother’s surprise and dismay. It stars many talented musicans and actors such as Meryl Streep and Collin Firth. The one critique I have for this musical is its use of unorginal music, albeit good music from ABBA. A sequel of it called Mamma Mia Here We Go Again was released last summer.
- High School Musical- Despite being released 11 years ago, teenagers still rave about this musical which has two sequels due to how popular it was among younger generations. It follows a jock and a nerd who join the school musical on a whim and fall in love with music. Despite its below average actors and cheesiness, the musical will without a doubt cheer up anyone.
- The Lion King- If you haven’t seen this movie, you haven’t truly lived. This is arguably one of the most classic Disney movies of all time. It features dozens of iconic scenes, songs, catchphrases and sequels that anyone would recognize. Not to mention, this summer a live-action remake of the story is being released starring Beyonce voicing Nala.
- Mary Poppins Returns- This musical is a sequel the classic Mary Poppins, the story of a nanny, named Mary Poppins, who leads the children of a wealthy family on fantastical adventures and tries to cheer their parents up. Mary Poppins Returns, however, stars Emily Blunt, and tells the story of Mary Poppins becoming the nanny of the children of the children from the first movie. It is a truly magical movie, with a small cameo from Dick Van Dyke, who starred in the first movie. This musical can leave anyone feeling happy.
- Into the Woods- Everyone has heard the class tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, but never before have they all been twisted into one story. This musical combines the most classic of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales through the story of a baker and his wife who want to have a child. If you’ve read the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, you know they are much more violent than the Disney version you grew up with. Into the Woods is Disney’s take on these violent tales, despite being slightly toned down, the musical is still very brutal. It is definitely not intended for younger audiences and is quite misleading in that sense.
- The Greatest Showman- This biographical musical tells the story of P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman. Barnum starts out as an orphan but becomes the world-renowned creator of the circus. It also stars Zac Efron and Zendaya, who help capture and hold young audience’s attention. The movie does a great job of delivering a message of self-empowerment and love to all viewers.
