Top Ten Underrated Musicals
Listen. I get it. Everyone and their brother loves Hamilton. And don’t get me wrong, I think Hamiton is great. But, there is so much more to the theatre world outside of Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical. Here are my top ten most underrated musicals that you should check out!
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Light in the Piazza
Why It’s Good: A show with a beautiful operatic score and a dreamy romantic plot line in Italy. However, the audience soon learns that everything is not as it seems, as we follow along with our lovers’ story.
Fun Fact: Disney Star Dove Cameron starred in the revival.
Song to Start With: Passeggiata
2. Bare: A Pop Opera
Why It’s Good: Takes a very realistic look on homophobia through a Catholic lens as our two star crossed lovers are torn apart by their high school society. The plot is equally tragic and enthralling as Romeo & Juliet, the play that the show takes inspiration from.
Fun Fact: All that boring Shakespeare that you have to read in class? It is all put to melody in this show’s lush, gorgeous score.
Song to Start With: A Quiet Night at Home
3. Something Rotten
Why It’s Good: A hilarious comedy that reinvents the traditional sense of the Renaissance. Filled with show stopping tap numbers galore!
Fun Fact: Throughout the show, there are lots of easter eggs embedded in its songs for theatre lovers!
Song to Start With: Right Hand Man
4.A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Why It’s Good: Love + Murder = Hilarious comedy! Don’t believe me? Just give this witty musical a listen!
Fun Fact: It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2014!
Song to Start With: I’ve Decided to Marry You
5. Bring It On
Why It’s Good: Full of fun, complex choreography and bops to listen to, this show is nothing less than endless entertainment.
Fun Fact: The music was written by Lin Manuel Miranda, the writer of Hamilton!
Song to Start With: Killer Instinct
6. A New Brain
Why It’s Good: A mostly unknown, quirky musical that follows a man diagnosed with a potentially terminal brain disease. Along the way, it explores the dynamic between success and love.
Fun Fact: Jonathon Groff, the voice behind Kristoff in the beloved movie Frozen, starred in the off-Broadway revival in 2015.
Song to Start With: And They’re Off
7. Parade
Why It’s Good: Takes a look at the parallels of anti-semitism and racism in the mid 20th century South. It tells the real life story of Leo Frank, a Jewish businessman accused of a heinous crime, and the path he takes to clear his name.
Fun Fact: This was the first musical ever written by Jason Robert Brown, a three time Tony winning songwriter.
Song to Start With: How Can I Call this Home
8. Dogfight
Why It’s Good: An unexpected love story between two people from different worlds (this is vague, but if I tell you more I’ll give too much away!).
Fun Fact: Do you love Dear Evan Hansen? This show was written by the same guys, Pasek and Paul!
Song to Start With: First Date/Last Night
9. Aida
Why It’s Good: This 1871 opera gets an Elton John makeover with fabulous dance numbers and an addicting musical score.
Fun Fact: Aida is a Disney Broadway musical!
Song to Start With: Strongest Suit
10. Falsettos
Why It’s Good: Family dynamics can be weird, and Falsettos takes that to the extreme as Marvin tries to integrate his lover into his life with his kid and wife. This show is heartwarming, funny, and enlightening, totally give it a listen if you can!
Fun Fact: Falsettos is actually the product of two one act musicals put together called March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland.
Song to Start With: I’m Breaking Down