If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that I love a musical. You all know that if you’re reading my blog, I review as many shows as I can! However, I’ve never actually shared which ones are my all-time faves. In this list, I’ve created a top ten of stage musicals that I will always return to see, most of which (I’m surprised) are quite modern! Here’s my top 10 favourite stage musicals of all-time.
Disclaimer: They’re ranked in order, but that’s based on the stage show, not a movie musical. Everyone knows that West Side Story is my favourite movie musical. However, I’ve never had the chance to see it on stage! That’s why it’s my top 10 favourite stage musicals. Maybe I’ll do an equivalent movie musicals post one day!
COME FROM AWAY
This is the one musical that I think everyone should see, especially given the state of the world right now. Every time that I’ve seen the show, I’ve been sitting next to someone seeing it for the first time or even seeing a musical in general for the first time! And after each show, they’ve been in more of an emotional state than I have! It’s a shorter show, too, so a great introductory show. Whilst it is completely sung through, it feels natural. It’s deeper than many modern musicals, too, considering its plot. I also think anyone doing this production has to be crazy talented. They’re changing between characters constantly, with very little off-stage time for any of them.
WAITRESS
I’d say Waitress is probably my favourite musical score of recent years, and Sara Bareilles should write more musicals. In fact, I literally saw the new UK tour yesterday, so of course, it’s still fresh in my mind. I always love how each actor brings something new to the role of Jenna, too. One of the best parts of Waitress is that there are so many themes covered in the show. Although I wish they’d delve into the serious topics a little more, I also love the funny elements of the show.
SIX
I mean, I’ve seen it about six times, so of course, Six was always going to be on this list! It’s 80 minutes of pure girl power, with incredible costumes, insane vocals, and a little bit of herstory thrown in too. It’s probably my most listened to soundtrack, because every song is the best. I change my mind about which queen is my favourite every time I listen to the soundtrack or see the show. It often depends on the portrayal of the queen in the production. Although Boleyn is my usual favourite, and I’d love to play a Yorkshire Anne (in my dreams).
LEGALLY BLONDE
This latest UK tour has rediscovered my love for the musical. I actually think I like it more than the movie, just because you get more of an introduction to all of the characters. The songs are so catchy and really come to life on stage, too. I mean, I love a feminist anthem just as much as the next gal! It’s always such a fun show to see, too, with the audience dressed all in pink. I have to say that I do miss the Regent’s Park productions, though!
HAMILTON
This show will always blow me away whenever I see it on stage (or on Disney+). I mean, it’s a cultural phenomenon now, as it should be. Again, because it’s sung through, the lyrics have to tell the story. Lin-Manuel Miranda has created a masterpiece, and I don’t see it closing on the West End or Broadway any time soon. However, I’d love another UK tour next year or after! The best thing about Hamilton is the diverse casting, and it works so well because they thrive with this score.
& JULIET
Oh, bring this show back soon, please! It’s another uplifting show, based on one of my least favourite Shakespeare plays. And what would happen if Juliet didn’t die? She’d travel and explore and create her own destiny, along to a soundtrack of epic pop songs from the 90s and 00s, of course! As much as this show is all about Juliet and Romeo, I’ve always loved the dynamics between Anne and Will, May and Francois, Angelique and Lance. Seriously, the casting team always get the chemistry levels spot on for this show!
JERSEY BOYS
This is in for mostly nostalgia reasons, as I grew up on the Four Seasons’ music. I love going to see this show with my dad, and although the story is a little embellished, it’s not too inaccurate either! I remember seeing the new West End cast back in 2022, and that cast was epic. My only gripe is that I wish the plot had gone a little deeper into the band’s rift, as well as their reconciliation, as the second act focuses more on Frankie and his life.
KINKY BOOTS
The ultimate uplifting show, Kinky Boots, is one of the most colourful shows out there. The songs are some of the best (I mean, Cyndi Lauper, hello?), the costumes are always spectacular, and the choreography is a standout. Whilst I’m not as keen on the latest production (the set design and costumes let it down), it’s still as important a show as it ever was. I think lots of people could use a lesson in tolerance and individuality these days.
BONNIE & CLYDE
Flipping completely to an underrated musical, Bonnie and Clyde also has one of the best soundtracks. Whether it’s Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes (the less said about her, the better), or the newer West End version with Jordan Luke Gage and Frances Mayli McCann, it’s a tragic tale of two lovers. Sure, it’s not great on its morals, but the music is very of its time period, and the vocals are powerhousey (not a word, but it should be).
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Another show, similar to Kinky Boots, that’s all about someone becoming their true self. I’m excited for it to return on tour again next year, as it’s always a great night/afternoon out. Once again (see a theme?), the soundtrack is full of bops, from upbeat dance numbers to more traditional theatre ballads. It’s another pop star musician who’s written it, Dan Gillespie Sells from the Feeling (remember them from the 00s?), and he’s a beautiful lyricist. This show always makes me feel all the feelings, because at the end of the day, it’s just about a teenager who doesn’t fit in and wants to find their way.
And that’s a wrap on my top 10 favourite stage musicals of all-time. It’s a varied list, but one thing in common is that the music is the most important element of a musical for me. If the soundtrack is good, it can carry a show (here’s looking at you, Dear Evan Hansen). I’m always amazed by the talented casts for each production, especially performing seven or eight shows a week and consistently having some of the hardest songs to sing!
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