Musicals are revolutionary to the theatrical arts today, even Shakespeare is still shaping literature and poetry, centuries after his time. Now, you must think Broadway musicals are just happy-go-lucky casts dramatically bursting out into song. (well, part of it is…) There’s much more to it than that. They are about Founding fathers, emotional teenagers, struggling waitresses, computers that control your brain– and of course much more… I think Broadway soundtracks are for everyone, even if you think you might not be the most musical person. Until you start to get down to some serious bops pronto, let me recommend some musicals to you.
Hamilton
The one we all know and love, it’s our boy, Alexander Hamilton. Lin Manuel Miranda, a literal god of all music, produced one of the most amazing shows of all time. This Broadway Musical tells the story of The Founding father of America’s ten dollar bill. As an American myself, it’s easy to recite who he was from the top of my head, but this musical was so great to teach my friends about my heritage. The most important aspect of the play is that you learn tons! He was America’s first Secretary of the Treasury, serving George Washington himself. He goes through a whole war throughout the duration of the show, and it keeps you on the very edge of your seat. Instead of singing innocently to some slow and steady music, Hamilton brings 20th-century R&B to Broadway. This makes the show attractive to both millennials and oldies that get down to some serious jazz (I see you Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington followers.) Hamilton’s soundtrack is available on Youtube, Spotify, and iTunes, so go and get your history on! There are a million things you haven’t done, but just you wait, Hamilton is a must do, and it will leave you starstruck.
School of Rock
School of Rock is a blissful story of music, family, and some outright perseverance. It follows the story of a fake substitute teacher, who teaches some preppy private school tweens to play in a rock band. The story is compelling, leading you into some family turbulence and a pivotal gig for the tweens, resulting in great music. The soundtrack can be found on every appliance, as it has been out for a while. Get on out there, and download this music as fast as you can, because it is amazing. The children cast in the play are extremely talented, too.
Be more chill
Be more chill is a humorous tale of how human innovation has ceased, and high school students rely on a quantum nanotechnology CPU pill to help them through social awkwardness–I know, a lot to take in. It is a comedic dystopian Broadway Production, with a captivating soundtrack. It can be found almost anywhere, as it has blown up in interest for the past couple of months. The protagonist, Jeremy, finds out about the ‘squip’ from a classmate at his school, as he has noticed how much of a “loser” he is. This leads to his bubbly bestie, Michael, to lead him to get it. Of course, this creates problems.The outcome of the SQUIP is being deep inside your brain, that has the ability to turn on nerve blocking, control your mind, and make you unable to see people… The musical is based on a novel by Joe Tracz and is absolutely stunning. There is enthralling friendship, teamwork, comedy, romance, and horror as the story unfolds. My personal favourite song is “A guy that I’d kinda be into” as some wholesome love is included in this play, where a girl called Christine is being admired from afar by Jeremy. It’s original, being the first exceedingly millennial adapted musical that I’ve listened to. It’s adorable, it’s funny, and you have to listen to it.
