A Drastically Shortened List of Absolutely Amazing Musicals
written by alex osborne
Anyone who knows who I am or who has had the quite interesting experience of being in my presence knows I adore absolutely everything to do with Musical theatre and the arts sector in general. Heck, I’ve got more than 20 show programs in my closet to prove it.
Musicals have always been a huge huge part of my life since before I could remember and being in one is my ultimate dream. In fact, it's something I’m prepared to make a list for a brilliant amazing school magazine for.
Here are some of my absolute favorite musicals which I highly recommend you give a listen to!
Number 1: Moulin Rouge
Now I’ve never seen the film...but I might have to if the musical is anything to go by!
Moulin Rouge is a musical about Christian, a young composer, who falls in love with cabaret actress Satine, who is the star of the Moulin Rouge. I remember hitting play on the soundtrack and my jaw hitting the floor. Think you know Jukebox musicals? Think again. The whole new arrangement and reimagining of each of the songs in the context of the Moulin Rouge is highly commendable and the reason they were nominated for so many Tonys! (Tonys are like the Oscars of Broadway).
Number 2: Be More Chill
They have a song called “I Love Play Rehearsal”. Need I say more?
But seriously this show was HIGHLY underrated in its Broadway run (thank god for the West end giving it its rightful home) and is a masterpiece by the one and only Joe Iconis (he’s pretty icon-ic-is, sorry I’ll stop).
It’s a show about a boy named Jeremy who just wants to survive high school and the discovery of a quantum nanotechnology pill that can help him be.more.chill (*mind blown). The music is infectious and you’ll be bopping all day.
Number 3: The Boy in the Dress
Now I only found this musical last year through the dark and scary waters of Spotify’s Daily Mixes (you can find absolutely anything on those!) and it’s got to be the best musical David Walliams has ever converted from one of his books!
The musical centers around a twelve-year-old boy, Dennis, who enjoys wearing a dress and the reactions of his family and friends. The music in this show is amazing and I’ve had all the songs rattling around my head (and the house when I do the washing up!) Robbie Williams also wrote some of the songs so that’s a bonus too!
Number 4: I can’t sing
*exhales….ok stick with me here….It’s a show about the X-Factor
WAIT NO COME BACK WAIT.
It’s a show about the X-Factor with a talking dog named Barlow who carries the whole show on his tiny puppet shoulder. Are you all listening again? Oh let’s face it most of you left when you saw the word musical up the top I’m rambling to myself here.
So this musical is about a girl named Cherise who lives in a campervan with her Uncle and dog Barlow. Through outrageous circumstances, she decides to go audition for the X-Factor and chaos ensues. This is the definition of supporting underrated shows. Someone just put up a brilliant professionally shot version of it on Youtube and some of the songs are clever, some have you questioning your sanity, but all want you to go away with a night of entertainment (or day I mean youtube means you can watch anywhere anytime).
Last but not least…
Number (9 to)5:9 to 5 the musical
VERY last one but its’s celebration to the best feminist anthem of a musical written by THE Dolly Parton. This centers around three office workers who decide to stand up to their sexist egotistical lying hypocritical boss! Featuring the iconic song 9 to 5 as a powerful feel-good opening number, this musical is on most of the time I’m allowed to play music! I highly highly recommend it :)
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This isn’t even the tip of the iceberg of my musical knowledge and feels free to find me and speak to me about what you think! I can be found (when we go back to school) twirling around and singing theatre tunes. I also have almost driven my friends to their wit’s end :)
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