Co-Written by: Annie Feng & William Stevenson
In an age of increasing artifice when it comes to art, live theatre is proving to be more important than ever. But for veteran thespians and newcomers alike, good musical recommendations can be hard to find. Thankfully, we at the Megaphone have curated a list of quality musicals with picks for both thespians-to-be and old-timers. Even if you are not able to watch these live, you can still find soundtracks for all of them, and pro-shots for a few of them, online. May this list help you with your theatre education!
9 to 5: The Musical
- In honor of Dolly Parton’s recent passing, we have to include the jukebox musical featuring her most iconic songs. Based on the 1980 film of the same name, 9 to 5 follows three female office employees who band together to seek revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Full of comical hijinks and feminine solidarity, 9 to 5 is a production that will give you many laughs and hugs at the same time. Rest in peace Dolly.
Hadestown
- Yes, it is really that good. Based on Anaïs Mitchell’s folk concept album of the same name, the 2019 broadway musical is a bold retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice using the musical styles of New Orleans jazz, blues, americana, among others. The musical is both a powerful exploration of class struggle as well as a celebration of the virtue of hope, themes our contemporary world would benefit from attending to. (Proshot is available on Prime Video and Apple TV).
Next to Normal
- One of the most emotionally stark musicals of our modern era, Next to Normal is an honest, often harrowing depiction of the entanglement of mental illness and grief. The musical centers on Diana Goodman, a suburban mother with severe bipolar disorder who grapples with loss and the task of giving her family a “normal” life. (Content warning: suicide, grief, bipolar disorder; proshot is available on Prime Video).
The Great Gatsby
- A new adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby takes you back into the Roaring Twenties and we meet Nick Carraway, a World War I veteran, who arrives in New York City. There, he receives a request from the mysterious Jay Gatsby, who asks for his help in reacquainting him with Nick’s cousin, Daisy. What follows is a tale of wealth, romance, a bit of swing dancing, and that there is more behind the glitz and glamour.
The Outsiders
- Based on the classic 1967 novel by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders is a dark yet ultimately touching coming-of-age-story with incredible technical effects. The story centers on 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their lives as part of a lower-class gang. As the tensions between them and the upper class gang escalate, Ponyboy is left to consider what it means to be a “Greaser.” This musical is sure to inspire fans both new and old.
Cabaret
- Set in Berlin’s Jazz Age as the Nazi Party grows in power, Cabaret centers on English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with American writer Clifford Bradshaw, as they immerse themselves in hedonic living. A striking look at how indulgence in sensual pleasure can distract from larger and more frightening social realities, this musical is a must-watch, especially in this day and age, for both its dazzling performances and its political commentary.
MJ the Musical
- If you are a fan of Michael Jackson, or perhaps seen his recent biopic Michael, then we suggest checking out MJ the Musical. Set as a jukebox musical featuring his most iconic songs, MJ the Musical tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and career, spanning from the Jackson 5, his ups and downs, and toward the end of his life. Full of upbeat choreography and music that will take you back in time, MJ the Musical is sure to give you a good time.
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
- We love when musicals are free to watch, especially if they’re created by many talented, creative individuals. Starkid Productions is no exception, and if you want an introduction to them, a great start would be The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals. In the show, we follow Paul, an average guy who “doesn’t like musicals.” Meanwhile, the citizens of his town are infected and overcome by an alien hive mind that makes them sing and dance like they’re in a musical, and Paul is forced to reckon that an apocalypse is coming. If you like stories mixed with laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwrenching moments, then look no further. Additionally, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals is the first installment of Starkid’s Hatchetfield series, so if you like lore, this is for you. (Proshot is free on YouTube).
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- One of the most popular “horror” musicals ever written, Sweeney Todd is a delightfully suspenseful tale of love and murder from the late Stephen Sondheim. The story centers on the titular barber, and his insatiable quest for vengeance towards the man who killed his wife, which leads him to shave more than just his customers’ hair… Dark, bloody, yet also funny, Sweeney Todd is iconic for a reason.
Something Rotten!
- One of the funniest musicals of this century, Something Rotten! is a delightful spoof of the Renaissance era and Shakespeare in particular. The story follows Nick Bottom and his younger brother Nigel as they aspire to write the next hit stage show and compete with beloved rockstar celebrity William Shakespeare. Filled with catchy tunes, clever references, and a surprising amount of eggs (if you know, you know), Something Rotten! is a hilarious trip back in time.
Falsettos
- A lesser known musical which actually consists of two one-act shows combined together, Falsettos is an emotional and brilliant exploration of queer identity and family. Centered on a group of Jews (some of whom are queer) living in New York during the AIDs crisis, the show is both a tragic portrayal of the failures of government to protect the most vulnerable, as well as a testament to a love which goes well beyond biological family ties. (Proshot is available for free on YouTube).
Heathers
- A thrilling adaptation of the 80s cult classic movie, Heathers is a brilliant dark comedy centered on teenage outcast Veronica Sawyer, her rise to the top of the Westerburg High social hierarchy, and her tumultuous relationship with teenage sociopath Jason Dean. A funny yet incredibly earnest tale of teenage woe and murder, with catchy music to boot, Heathers is a musical you won’t soon forget. Content Warning: suicide, depression, anxiety.
Chess
- Originally debuting in 1986 with a popular Broadway revival in 2025, Chess is an exhilarating and biting satire of the Cold War political atmosphere. The show centers on the intense rivalry between an American and a Soviet grandmaster, and how that rivalry becomes entangled with romantic jealousy and family fracturing. Boasting a grand rock-symphonic score and an insanely talented cast, Chess is a thrilling and bombastic musical experience.
Maybe Happy Ending
- A South Korean musical which made its way to Broadway in 2024, Maybe Happy Ending is an endearing look at love and loss centered on two human-like helper robots, Oliver and Claire. As Oliver and Claire travel to see Oliver’s old owner, James, the two learn much more about their programming than they thought was possible for them. Incredibly funny and heartwarming, with a jazz-inspired score to boot, Maybe Happy Ending is a musical sure to endure the test of time.
Epic the Musical
- Okay, it’s technically not a “musical” but a concept album, but as it has recently been picked up to become an animated movie, this is a really good chance to discover (or rediscover) the music! Based on The Odyssey, Epic the Musical follows the story of Odysseus and his 20 year long journey to return home. Along the way, he and his crew meet a variety of gods and monsters, but Odysseus will do anything to get back home, even if he has to make sacrifices. Composed of 40 total songs within 9 sagas, Epic the Musical will take you on a journey of emotions that could rival Odysseus’s journey.