By: Ashmika H, Ella S, Lucy O, Hasti K, and Paige A
- Mamma Mia
By: Ashmika Hait
(https://onlyfromthestalls.wordpress.com/2015/11/25/my-passion/)
Mamma Mia is one of the top ranked musicals because it has a lot of entertainment and really good songs. The songs get you groovin’. There is high-energy music and good choreography. The musical offers love, friendship, and romance, as well as an emotional bond between mother and daughter. The musical creates a joyful experience where the story isn’t just a story; they’re singing along, dancing, having a party, and the story is about love, family, and friendship that connects with the audience. The musical makes you forget your worries, brings energetic dancing, and sets your mood.
The musical first premiered as a stage musical in London on April 6, 1999. Because of their massive success the musical had adapted into a movie in 2008 which also became a big massive hit in the box office. It is considered the longest running musical in history featuring the music of ABBA.
The musical starts with a girl named Sophie who’s a young woman about to get married but she wants her father to be able to walk her down the aisle and therefore she wants to find her father so she invites three men that could potentially be her father hoping to discover her true father before walking down the aisle her mother Donna is confronted by her past and this leads to many emotions and truths and revealed. In the end Sophie learns more about not just herself but her mother and daughter relationship and overall the music is what makes the musical a hit.
Mamma Mia is a top spot musical because it’s more than just a show; it brings families and people together through music, laughter, romance, and emotion, and connects with the audience, making it a top musical. ABBA’s music is universally loved through generations and creates a sense of joy and nostalgia. Every one of their songs are hit and most of the songs make you want to dance like “Honey Honey, Dancing Queen, and Lay all your love on me” There’s also a song called “Slipping Through my Fingers” which is a powerful song showing mother and daughter relationship and it creates a nostalgic feeling of a parent watching their child grow and creating memories that will be cherished which gives an emotional and relatable feeling. The musical has a theme of love, and connects with people’s fundamental human sense. Mamma Mia stands out from other musicals because of its heartwarming story and its iconic songs that create a familiar nostalgic appearance for audiences making it accessible for generations.
The show’s energetic and emotional factors make the audience in different moods throughout the musical and apart from the serious factors that in the show there are always many moments in the musical that make the audience on their feet dancing.The musical isn’t just an experience but a memorable and appealing phenomenon.
- Catch Me If You Can
By: Ella Staehr
Catch Me If You Can first took the Broadway stage on April 10th, 2011 at the Neil Simon Theatre. The musical is based off of the major motion picture Catch Me If You Can, which premiered in theaters in 2002. Both the musical and movie are true stories based on the con artist Frank Abignale Jr.
The musical takes audiences on a high intensity and emotional journey through Frank Abignale Jr’s life. It is told like a story with Frank being the storyteller. The show opens in the Miami airport in the 1960s. Frank has just been caught by the main FBI agent Carl Hanratty. The musical then takes a turn to showcase its opening number “Live in Living Color”. In this song Frank lays out the story he is going to tell involving fame and money. Throughout the rest of the show the audience is told the story of how Frank became a true con artist. From forging checks to becoming a doctor and pilot without any training. Even though Frank is seeming to be living his dream life throughout the whole musical he is still being tracked and looked for by the FBI. As the show reaches Act ll the FBI is still on the search for Frank.Throughout the second act of the show Frank has also found his love interest Brenda. The search for Frank continues as the show closes right back where it started. At the Miami airport where Frank has been caught by the FBI.
This show belongs in the top 5 because of its abilities to incorporate a mix of emotions and underlying messages into one story. The show has an ability to make audiences laugh but also spark emotional moments. The musical features upbeat songs like “Jet Set” and “ Don’t Break the Rules” which get the audience moving. But the show also featured emotional songs. Like “Butta Outta Cream” which shows the relationship between Frank and his father. The musical also features the song “ Fly, Fly Away” which Brenda sings to Frank as she is saying goodbye to him when he is caught.
But I believe the most impactful part of the musical is the realizations the characters make throughout. One example of this is what Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent, realizes during the song “ Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year”. During this song he is able to call Frank. When he calls Frank he begins to understand that he is just a kid who is alone and like him, has no one else to call on Christmas. It is a heartwarming moment that brings together two unalike characters.
Through its amazing storytelling, singing, and dancing; Catch Me If You Can, definitely belongs in the top five musicals.
3) Hamilton
By: Paige Adams
When talking about the top five musicals of all time, Hamilton easily earns its place. The creator; Lin-Manuel Miranda, made this groundbreaking Broadway production transforming musical theatre into a mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and traditional show tunes to tell the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Since its debut in 2015, Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, winning 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
What makes Hamilton stand out is its innovative storytelling. The musical follows Hamilton’s journey as he arrives in New York determined to “not throw away his shot.” He becomes George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, helps write the Federalist Papers, and eventually becomes the first Secretary of the Treasury. The audience sees his friendships and rivalries with figures like Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson, and John Laurens. A major focus of the story is Hamilton’s complicated relationship with Burr, which builds throughout the show and ultimately leads to their famous duel. Instead of presenting history in a traditional, textbook style, the musical reimagines it with a modern voice and diverse cast. Songs like “My Shot”, “The Schuylar Sisters”, and “Yorktown” combine fast-paced rap with emotional depth, making the story both entertaining and educational. The music sticks with you long after the curtain closes!
Another reason Hamilton fits perfectly into a Top 5 Musicals list is its emotional range. It balances humor, ambition, love, jealousy, and tragedy. The relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr drives much of the story, showing how rivalry and pride can shape history. At the same time, powerful ballads, such as “Burn” and “It’s Quiet Uptown” highlight themes of forgiveness and loss.
Beyond the stage, Hamilton has had a major cultural impact. The filmed version released on Disney+ in 2020 introduced the musical to an even wider audience, allowing people who cannot attend Broadway to experience it. This show has inspired students to become more interested in history and has sparked conversations about representation in theater relating to the all people of color cast in Hamilton.
Overall, Hamilton is more than just a musical, it’s a revolution and storytelling. It’s unforgettable music, meaningful themes, and lasting, cultural influence make it a clear choice for any Top 5 musicals list!
4. Wicked
By: Lucy Otto
https://hennepinarts.org/events/wicked
The Tony Award winning musical, Wicked, took the Broadway stage on October 30, 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre. The musical took the world by storm and is now the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history. Wicked has always been a must see on Broadway but the popularity of the musical grew when the 2-part movie adaptation with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo came out.
5. Mean Girls
By: Hasti khada
When people think about musicals that are funny, dramatic, and relatable Mean girls deserves a spot in the Top 5, especially after being nominated for 12 Tony awards, including best musical.The broadway musical Mean girls is based on a 2004 film Mean girls written by Tina Fey.With the music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, the musical makes the story feel more alive and true. The high school setting becomes more dramatic and emotional because the characters are able to express their thoughts and feelings through songs and performances.This allows the audience to connect more deeply with each character’s struggles, insecurity, and personal growth throughout the show.
What I love most about Mean girls as a musical is how it capture the reality of high school unlike other shows that just show the positive or fun parts of being a teenager, this musical shows the insecurity, peer pressure, and the constant need to fit in. The main character, Cady Heron, goes from being homeschooled in Africa to suddenly navigating a public high school filled with school rules. When she becomes involved with “The Plastics” the most popular group in school, you can see how easy it is to lose yourself while trying to be accepted by others. songs like “world Burn” and “Apex predator” add emotional depth that the movie alone could not fully show. “World Burn” highlights Regina Gand desire for control while “apex predator” compares high school to the animal kingdom, making the social hierarchy feel intense and realistic. The music allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Even though the original movie came out in 2004, the themes are still relevant today, especially with social media increasing gossip and reputation drama. With this energetic choreography, vibrant set design, and bold costumes, Mean Girls is both visually exciting and meaningful, which is why it truly deserves a place in the top 5! popularity and reputations still exist today but in different ways that musical brings to life, showing how quick rumors spread and how easily friendships can fall in high school.
