This week, I really wanted to talk about a musical titled “Kinky Boots”. The musical is somewhat new, as it came out in 2005. It’s starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola and Sarah-Jane Potts as Lauren. Some of the more popular songs include The Prettiest Star by David Bowie, It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, and I Put a Spell On You. It is well known because of its composer. Cyndi Lauper wrote the songs in this musical.

Charlie owns a factory and is trying to save his small family business from collapsing. Lola is an entertainer with a wild idea. They decide to make a shoe brand and it gains a lot of popularity. The two don’t have much in common but learn that friendship isn’t about being the exact same. They embrace their differences. Based on a true story, this play inspired millions.

The show is still playing in Chicago to this day. It may not be the biggest selling Broadway musical but it won plenty of awards. It was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won 5. Some include the award for best choreography, best actor, best original score, and, of course, best musical. It was nominated for  Grammy’s and won one. Also, it was nominated for 6 Laurence Olivier awards and won 3! Overall, they were pretty successful.

This week, I want to talk about a very dramatic musical. Many would describe this musical as timeless. The cast stars Ben Crawford and Ali Ewoldt. Along with stunning visuals, it has a very nice soundtrack. Some of the tracks include: Think of me, The Point of No Return and All I Ask of You.

Erik is a man who has been deformed since birth. Living in the sewers, he is described as bitter and unpleasant. Christine, an opera singer with a beautiful voice caught his eye. While tutoring her privately, he manages to demand lead roles for Christine and messing with the other actors. Obviously, there are consequences as this story unravels. It covers self-worth, acceptance, and revenge.

This show is not currently on Broadway. It is a wonderful play that others reenact to this day. If you have the opportunity to see it, I would. It won a Tony Award for the Best Musical. Many around the world appreciate this musical and the wonderful story of acceptance.

One of the most famous musicals is Les Miserables. Known for its gloomy feeling, it is known all over the world. The musical is starring John-Owen Jones and Hayden Tee. Some of the popular songs from its soundtrack include Suddenly, I Dreamed A Dream, and On My Own. There is also a popular film starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe,  and Amanda Seyfried.

In the 19th century France, there is a former convict, Jean Valjean. He spends his entire life seeking revenge and redemption. It represents that indifference to human suffering during the French Revolution. While seeking vengeance, he is haunted by ghosts from his past. Throughout the musical, he goes through self-discovery and overall human compassion.

Sadly, the on Broadway show ended in 2016 after 1,026 shows. It was one of the top ticket selling musicals from all of Broadway. Les Miserables is touring the world still. The musical also won multiple Academy Awards and Golden Globes. It is definitely a show you should see!

We all remember the most heart-wrenching movie scene from our childhoods: the scene where Scar killed Mufasa in the Lion King. Yeah, I cried too. The movie of our childhood is now on Broadway. It’s starring Bradley Gibson and Adrienne Walker. The New York Times said, “purely as a visual tapestry, there is simply nothing else like it.” I couldn’t agree more.

Simba, the main character, is a curious, young lion prince. As he is discovering the responsibilities that will soon be given to him, he struggles to stop stirring up trouble. Then, the tragedy strikes and Scar, Simba’s uncle, kills Simba’s dad, King Mufasa. Simba faces conflict to live up to his father’s legacy while still being a clumsy kid. The Broadway play brings you into the story and shows you a classic coming of age story.

To accompany the show, the soundtrack includes very famous songs. Some include The Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, and I Just Can’t Wait to Be King. For all ages, this play is a whirlwind of emotions. With beautiful visuals and wonderful actors and actresses, it is not a sight to miss. If you live in the Indianapolis Area, The Lion King will be showing at the Murat Theatre from September 12-29 2018. It’s a wonderful show to see for the whole family!

This week I’m going to talk a little about a more recently created musical. As of right now, I’ve got to say it is in my top three favorite musicals. Starring Taylor Trensch, this musical has won over millions. It is most well known for its soundtrack. Some songs include If I Could Tell Her, Words Fail, and Waving Through a Window.

Evan Hansen is a very socially awkward senior in high school. He is tasked by his therapist to write letters addressed to himself. He has always had a huge crush on a girl named Zoe but has never really had any friends. Throughout the musical, you go along with him while he struggles to find himself and overcome his anxieties. The story is exciting and gives you hope that things can get better.

You will regret if you don’t see this wonderful show. The musical is still playing on Broadway and tickets sell fast. Dear Evan Hansen won Best Musical at the Grammy’s! The show has also been nominated for an Emmy! Along with these amazing accomplishments, it has been nominated for 9 Tony awards! Obviously, there is a great reason to see this play so don’t miss out!

There is no better way to start off talking about my favorite musicals than by talking about the classic wicked. If you think of musical theater, one of the first things that come to mind is the musical “Wicked”. Starring the famous Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, this musical was the seventh longest-running Broadway production. Some of its well-known songs include Popular, I’m Not That Girl, For Good and Defying Gravity.

Two students met in a sorcery. Glinda is blonde and very popular while Elphaba is green and misunderstood. They encounter The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and their lives take very different paths. Ginda eventually is known as Glinda the Good while Elphaba is known as The Wicked Witch of the West. You see there friendship evolve and view unexpected perspectives.

If you have ever seen The Wizard of Oz, you need to see this production! I have personally never seen this musical but it is definitely on my bucket list. The show is a classic for the theater community. Wicked! is still playing on Broadway so if you get the chance, you should enjoy this wonderful production. I definitely recommend this production!

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton