With musical season upon us at the high school, everyone has a newfound excitement for Broadway. Well, at least I do.
Since I was young, I’ve always adored Broadway. I used to dream of being on the stage when I was older. My dreams have since changed, but my love of theater has never wavered.
My family has always loved musicals and taking trips to see different ones. I have been blessed with the opportunity to see many, but these are the best that I have seen so far.
“Hadestown:”
If you know anything about me, you would know that “Hadestown” is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
“Hadestown” is a jazzy 1920s retelling of the tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. However, it also tells the story of Hades and Persephone as they struggle to remember the love they have for one another.
Between the doomed love story, there is also a sliver of hope that emulates from the tale as well. As Orpheus states, “To the world we dream about and to the one we live in now.”
I had the opportunity to see “Hadestown” in April of 2024, and it is one of my best memories. I felt every emotion imaginable while sitting in the audience. I was enraptured from start to finish. If I could only watch one musical for the rest of my life, it would be “Hadestown.”
“The Phantom of the Opera:”
Unlike most, when I think of my childhood movie, I don’t think of an animated film that has been around for generations. When I think about my childhood movie, the only movie that comes to mind is “The Phantom of the Opera.”
I’ve talked about “The Phantom of the Opera” before on The Mountain Echo. My very first opinion story for the publication was about the show closing on Broadway.
In many ways, “The Phantom of the Opera” was my introduction to Broadway and musical theater. When I was younger, I would sing my heart out all hours of the day (and night) with dreams to be Christine Daae on stage one day. I fell in love with the idea that someone can go through so many traumatic experiences, but still find hope that they can love and be loved.
I have seen the musical three times now and love it more every single time. I had the opportunity to see it just a few months before the curtain fell on the Broadway production.
Phantom made me fall in love with Broadway, and gave me the opportunity to discover my love of music in general. When I turned 16, I sang “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” at my party as an ode to my childhood.
“The Phantom of the Opera” might not be my top musical as of right now, but it will always have a special place in my heart.
“Waitress:”
After COVID-19, “Waitress” was the first musical I saw once the world opened up again. I had the opportunity to see the incredible Sara Bareilles as the leading role of Jenna.
“Waitress” is a musical I didn’t expect to love. For the longest time, I only knew a couple of the songs from within the show. However, when I heard that Sara Bareilles would be starring, I knew I had to see the show. And, unsurprisingly, I loved it. Both the music and the story line.
“Waitress” wasn’t a musical to be taken lightly. There are some truly challenging and important topics discussed over the course of the show, but the show also has a beautiful sense of humor, as well as hope, that emanates from each character.
When I saw “Waitress,” I cried from start to finish. Not a moment went by where I wasn’t overwhelmed by how beautiful the entire production was. There was also the realization that Broadway was back, and I couldn’t believe I was back in the theater when there was a time I didn’t think I would have that opportunity again.