In today's world of television, film, and internet it may seem like we have an all-access pass to any type of media content we want. This, however, is incorrect. Theatre is one of the more evasive pieces of fictional content, and in many cases, is the hardest to find online without actually paying for it—despite almost every Broadway and West End DVD being recorded by the theatre company themselves. Still, there are some shows which, whilst expensive, are certainly worth the money spent, and are usually so popular that they can likely be found at your local theatre group.
"The Addams Family" didn't begin life as a musical, but as a comic book strip. Developed by Charles Addams in 1938, the ghoulish family's popularity moved them from drawing, to television, to film, and now to Broadway. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, "The Addams Family" begins when Wednesday, the eighteen-year-old daughter, declares that her boyfriend and his family are coming to dinner. Despite her parents’ disapproval at her dating a 'normal', Wednesday insists that the families meet. Full of laughter, heartbreak, and a sense of family, "The Addams Family" perfectly combines the lament and joy that comes with growing up. With numbers such as "Happy/Sad", it’s both a soundtrack worth downloading, and a show worth seeing.
"A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" also has origins in other forms. Based on the 1949 British film, "Kind Hearts and Coronets", the musical is based around its protagonist Monty Navarro. Upon his mother's death, receives a strange visit from a maid of the D'Ysquith family, which, it is revealed, his mother belonged to. The family refused to allow her to marry Monty's father however, so she eloped, was disowned, and never spoke of the family again. Upon discovering his mother's rejection, Monty swears to avenge her, and begins murdering all those in line to the Dukedom, so that one day he may sit in his rightful place. Full of humour, and a beautiful homage to the Edwardian theatre both in set and in music, "A Gentleman's Guide" will leave you rolling on the floor—though hopefully still alive.
Another musical set in the past, though a little closer to modern day than Edwardian England, is "Hairspray". In 1960's Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad is fighting to get a place in the local dance show, but faces criticism regarding her weight, as well as joining her African-American friends in protest against racial segregation. "Hairspray" offers a perfect balance of superficial musical bubbliness, and serious, heart-wrenching moments. With catchy music, and wonderful costumes, "Hairspray" is a good first musical for any who are yet to see a stage show.
The world of musical theatre is certainly a vast one, but also one worth exploring. The wide variety of shows means that everyone will find a musical which they enjoy. So, if you dislike my suggestions, then keep searching! However these three musicals, in my opinion, are some of the greatest ones out there and if you are new to the world of musical theatre are certainly worth looking into.
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