Powerful musicals have a special ability to resonate with us personally. They make us laugh; cry and sometimes they make us question how two hour show can fly by in such a blink of an eye. Broadway is known for its musicals, they have been entertaining us for decades.
There are a few shows that have stood out over the years, and bring in audiences from around the world to hum the show’s tunes for days in an effort to hold onto the performance’s splendors. Here are some of the most well known Broadway plays.
Top 10 Musicals to Grace the Broadway Stage
- Show Boat: Whether you love this show or not, it must be respected as the one that started them all—changing the musical from a comedy or opera like experience to one of seriousness and storytelling. First launching in 1927, the show has been recreated numerous times and continues to win rewards and respect.
- Rent: An empowering story focused on issues that are difficult to discuss in many contexts, Rent is one of the highest praised musicals on Broadway. The rock musical debuted on Broadway in 1996, but transitioned to a touring production in 2008.
- Les Miserables: Respected for both its beauty and heart wrenching story, this is a long time favorite of many Broadway show goers. The musical made its debut in London, but was brought to Broadway in 1986.
- Lion King: The musical based on the Disney movie is a favorite by so many thanks to its vibrant costume designs. In April of 2012 Lion King earned the title of the highest grossing Broadway play of all time.
- Chicago: Taking place during the prohibition era, Chicago first made its Broadway debut in 1975 before making a comeback in 1996. Chicago is considered the longest running musical revival on Broadway.
- West Side Story: This is considered one of the top musicals that has made Broadway what it is today. Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this musical first appeared on Broadway in 1957 and has made numerous revivals as well as national and international tours.
- Mamma Mia: Originally premiering in London, this ABBA based musical first took to Broadway in 2001.
- Phantom of the Opera: This book turned musical originally took the stage in 1976. The book itself was never praised much, but the musical revived the story.
- Wicked: A newer play, Wicked debuted on Broadway in 2003 and became an almost instant favorite. It has won a great deal of rather prestigious awards, including three Tony Awards.
- Oklahoma: The original version of this Broadway musical opened in 1943. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II actually won a Pulitzer Prize for the production of this play.