A Century of Musicals

We’ve reached the highly anticipated part two of my period pieces. If you missed part one, go check out my explanation of a period piece and how some of these might not exactly qualify yet. Before diving in, I want to clarify that I am exclusively referencing the stage shows and not the film version of any of these musicals.

19th Century (1801-1900)

I promise I will choose one musical for each decade for the rest of this list. Much like the movies, the 19th century is home to many classics. I chose The Phantom of the Opera and Moulin Rouge for this category. I have seen these incredible shows live, and they never disappoint. 

The Phantom of the Opera, based on Gaston Leroux’s novel of the same name, tells the story of Christine Daaé. A soprano who became the obsession of a musical genius living under the Paris Opera House. for the first time when I was in elementary school. The music hypnotized me and has had me hooked ever since. So much so that I would only sing songs from this show in voice lessons for a while. 

Favorite song: “All I Ask of You”

Christian, a composer from America, falls in love with Satine, a singer, and courtesan at the Moulin Rouge. Moulin Rouge was a life changer for me, and seeing Aaron Tveit as Christian was a dream I didn’t want to wake up from. My 2021 apple music replay clocked over 200 hours of Moulin Rouge. I am proud and terrified of my dedication. 

Favorite song: “El Tango De Roxanne”

The Edwardian Era (1901-1910)

Give me some leeway here, technically the musical I have chosen takes place in 1912.

Harold Hill is a traveling con man. He comes to River City and convinces the townspeople to start a band with a plan to make money off them and then flee the city. Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan. The Music Man is comedic, heartwarming, and an all-around joy to witness. I hope you love dance numbers!

Favorite songs: “Ya Got Trouble” and “Seventy-Six Trombones” 

The Roaring 20s (1920-1929)

Dive right into the heart of the jazz age with Chicago. There must be something in the water at The Onyx. Nightclub star Velma and chorus girl Roxie end up in jail for two separate murders. The same man takes on their cases, and the two women fight for the top spot for public fame. This show is a smash hit from beginning to end.

Favorite song: “All That Jazz”

The 1930s

A stowaway on an ocean liner set for New York is in love with an heiress already engaged. Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer, aids stowaway Billy in his quest for love. I am obsessed with the extended dance numbers, especially the tap. Anything Goes is a triple threat all around!

Favorite song: “Anything Goes”

The 1940s

Alice By Heart takes place after the 1941 London Blitz. Alice and her best friend Alfred take shelter in a tube station. Alfred’s tuberculosis forces him to be quarantined, so Alice takes him on a journey of escape into “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The musical is based on Lewis Carroll’s novel.

Favorite song: “The Key Is”

The 1950s

A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a classic tale of forbidden love. It’s a heartbreaking story, but the music transcends. 

Favorite songs: “Tonight” and “I Feel Pretty”

The 1960s

Catch Me If You Can is based on the true story of Frank Abangale Jr. and the 2002 film of the same name. With incredible music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the spirit of the 1960s comes to life on stage. 

Favorite song: “Live in Living Color”

The 1970s

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is precisely what the title says. It follows The Temptations from their beginnings to where they are today. There’s no denying that the music of The Temptations is incredible, but to see them performed on stage is unlike anything.

The 1980s

Billy Elliot begins when the 1984 miners’ strike is going on. Billy discovers he has a talent for ballet and has to decide to pursue his dream or stay with the life he already knows. Once again, I’m drawn to the dance-heavy shows, and this one features my two favorites; ballet and tap.

Favorite song: “Shine”

The 1990s

After 2021, I hope everyone knows about tick, tick…BOOM! The story follows Jonathan Larson’s journey as an aspiring composer. The trials and tribulations he faces put to music began as a solo piece and then became a three-actor piece following Larson’s death.

Favorite song: “Green Green Dress”

The 2000s

The movie put to music, Legally Blonde, is just as iconic as the 2001 film. Laura Bell Bundy’s vocals still give me chills, and the music is too darn catchy.

Favorite song: “Legally Blonde Remix”

I understand that on a heavily populated film and television website, musicals might not be the crowd-pleaser. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but they bring me just as much joy as films do. If you want to start exploring musicals, find your niche. Trust me, there’s a topic for everyone.