For many people, the top Broadway musicals of all time are a hard to pick, especially when there are so many amazing musicals that are on Broadway today. This article will explore the most popular and notable Musicals that are on Broadway and help you decide which one to watch. It will also talk about the movies that were based on these Musicals and give you an idea of what you can expect if you decide to see the movie.
Singin’ in the Rain
Singin’ in the Rain is considered to be the “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time.” The movie has been adapted into a musical, which includes music and a book written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It also features three extraodinary dance roles. A true wonder much like recent Broadway Musical Hadestown.
One of the major highlights of Singin’ in the Rain is the iconic title song. The song tells the story of how the world moved from silent films to talkies. During the transition, the movie gives audiences a peek into the romantic side of Hollywood.
Cabaret
Cabaret is a musical that was first produced on Broadway in 1966. The Broadway version won seven Tony Awards and eight Academy Awards. In 1972, the movie version won Best Picture.
It also won eight Golden Globes. This film is an adaptation of the original musical written by Fred Ebb and John Kander. A book by Joe Masteroff was also adapted.
Bob Fosse directed the movie. He and his collaborators did an excellent job of adapting the musical. But there are some things about the original that are not quite up to snuff.
West Side Story
West Side Story is considered one of the best Broadway musicals of all time, and it east into your emotions much like the recent hit Jagged Little Pill. This acclaimed musical tells the tale of a modern take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The action is set on New York’s warring East and West sides, with the love story of Tony and Maria being the central focus.
The show features lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a score by Leonard Bernstein. It is an interpretation of Romeo and Juliet that breaks with traditional rules of choreography and storytelling.
West Side Story was first produced on Broadway in 1957, and has since gone through multiple revivals. With the help of a team of Broadway legends, it ran seven hundred performances and earned two Tony Awards.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is a popular Broadway musical based on the Disney film of the same name. It has won numerous awards and is considered a hit.
Originally, it was to be a movie, but it was adapted into a musical. The movie was released in 1964. Some of the characters are different. Several of the songs are new, while others are from the film score. There are many songs that have become classics, even some you can catch at an upcoming concert.
As the story goes, the Banks family has been neglected by their parents. Their children are misbehaving. So, Mary Poppins comes to their rescue. She teaches the children to play nicely. They begin to adore her. Eventually, she is asked to leave. This creates a confrontation between the nannies.
A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line is a musical that’s all about the lives of dancers. It follows the lives of a group of hopefuls as they audition for a Broadway chorus.
When the show first opened on Broadway, audiences questioned its storyline. But Michael Bennett made things clear with his staging and constant jump-cutting. He also used montages and stage dissolves to make things more dramatic.
The show was a big hit and was named one of the top Broadway musicals of all time. In fact, it was the longest-running Broadway show of all time.
The Music Man
The Music Man is an iconic Broadway musical. It is considered to be one of the best musicals of all time and a classic of American musical theatre.
Originally created by Meredith Willson, The Music Man was a hit on Broadway in 1957. The story is about a con artist named Harold Hill who arrives in the town of River City, Iowa. He promises to create a children’s band and is soon accepted by the community.
In this adaptation, Hugh Jackman plays the role of Harold Hill. The actor has been a fan of the show for over a decade. During his appearance on the TODAY Show, he discussed the importance of his role in the show and how he has worked to improve his fellow cast members.
Annie
There have been many versions of Annie over the years, but the most popular is the Broadway musical. It is based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. In the show, a young orphan is determined to find her parents.
The musical premiered in 1976. The Goodspeed Opera House developed it. Aileen Quinn was cast as the title character. She was nine years old when she was assigned to the role.
After several performances, the musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Martin Charnin wrote the lyrics and Charles Strouse wrote the music.
