MUSICAL THEATRE

Songs to inspire generations

It is a genre that is often mocked or belittled by those who do not understand it. Were you a "theatre kid" in high school? A "drama nerd"? Those of you who are will be no stranger to the lack of understanding when it comes to theatre. Stories and songs that move us to tears, to laughter, and encourage us to think. While they may be dismissed as frivoless, the following shows have immense power and deserve recognition.

Hamilton

"This is not a moment. It's a movement"

Hamilton is a 'once in a lifetime' show. Bringing together generations of fans, but most importantly, a collective of immigrant cultures to celebrate difference and recognise the "forgotten father" of American history. writer, director and star Lin Manuel Miranda brought rap, rnb and pop musical to the stage and reached out to new audiences in a way never seen before. Which makes Hamilton the most popular msuical on Spotify.

Les Miserables

"Do you hear the people sing"

Set in the Parisian underworld and plotted like a detective story, the work follows the fortunes of the convict Jean Valjean, a victim of society who has been imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. It's soaring melodies and moving harmonies bring audiences to tears. Les Mis is undoubtedly once of, if not the greatest ensemble piece in music theatre history.

Jesus Christ Superstar

"Do you think you're what they say you are?"

Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, this contraversial work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities and slang pervade the rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events.While it may not be for everyone Superstar's impact on the 'rock-opera" musical cannot go unrecognised

RENT

"How do you measure a year?"

Based on the opera 'La Boheme' by Puccini, RENT follows a year in the life of a group of disinfranchised young people in New York during the AIDS epidemic. A musician, a performance artist, a documentarian and an exotic dancer make up this group oif improverished artists fighting for more than just their RENT.

The Phantom of the Opera

"I am your angel of music"

One of the longest running musicals on both Broadway and London's West End tells the tragic story of a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, masked musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opéra House.