DOES WICKED: FOR GOOD HAVE YOU FEELING MUSICAL FOMO? WELL HERE’S A LIST OF MUSICAL FAVOURITES THAT WILL HAVE YOU FEELING LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT
As Wicked: For Good has arrived in theatres and fans are dressed in their best green and pink outfits, we remember the important elements of acceptance, love, friendship, and kindness the film and its story brings. To keep that momentum going, here are some musical favourites that, like Wicked, give you that happy feeling of community, family, belonging and love.
Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! showcases diverse family dynamics while incorporating iconic songs from ABBA, which have you singing and dancing the whole time. In a corner of Greece, the story follows a mother and her newly engaged daughter, as the daughter becomes determined to find her father in time to have him walk her down the aisle.
The musical made its debut in the London West end Prince Edward Theatre on April 6th, 1999. Its broadway success pushed for the 2008 film adaptation and later sequel featuring actors Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Christine Baranski, and Julie Walters.
As the story unfolds, themes of love, forgiveness, and female friendship shine through, reminding us that family can be the people we choose as much as the people we’re born to.
A timeless classic, The Sound of Music brings joy through its vocally challenging songs, heartfelt moments and themes of courage and connection. Following Maria as she joins the Von Trapp household, we witness the power of unity and change in the face of great uncertainty.
The Sound of Music made its Broadway debut on November 16th 1959, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in Manhattan, New York. The original performance won the production an outstanding amount of five Tony awards.
On March 2nd of 1965, director Robert Wise released the film adaptation of the Broadway film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer as Maria and Captain Von Trapp. The film’s soundtrack is considered a fan favourite for both theatre and film lovers of generations.
Vibrant, upbeat and full of community spirit, In the Heights bursts with life. Set in Washington Heights, it follows the intertwined stories of neighbours chasing dreams, facing challenges and celebrating the bonds that keep them together.
Debuting on Broadway on March 9, 2008, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, In the Heights made an unforgettable entrance with its fusion of hip-hop, salsa and community bonding. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show introduced a vibrant new sound to musical theatre while spotlighting the heart and feel of Washington Heights. The production earned four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, celebrating its cultural impact and fresh storytelling.
A film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, was released on June 10th, 2021. Bringing the neighbourhood to life on screen, the movie preserved the stage show’s energy and themes of identity while giving a new generation the chance to experience the Heights.
Catch this show if you want to feel the feels and move your feet.
Packed with infectious energy and bold personality, Hairspray is all about embracing who you are and standing up for what’s right. Through Tracy Turnblad’s journey to fight social norms and the lack of body positivity in the industry, the story tackles acceptance and equality with humour, rhythm and a whole lot of hairspray.
Hairspray burst onto Broadway on August 15th, 2002, at the Neil Simon Theatre. The musical, based on John Waters’ 1988 film, became an instant hit, earning eight Tony Awards. Its joyous celebration of individuality and its powerful call for racial integration have made it a beloved staple of modern theatre.
The story found new life in its 2007 film adaptation starring Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta and Queen Latifah. The movie brought its infectious spirit and catchy soundtrack to the film, proving that sometimes music, and a determined teen with big hair, can really spark change.
It’s the kind of show that leaves you smiling and believing in the power of change and big hair.
Dreamgirls dazzles with big vocals, big emotions and a powerful message about ambition, loyalty and self-worth. Following a girl group’s rise to fame, the story explores the pressures of racial inequality, the music industry, and finding solace in the family we make on our own.
Opening on Broadway on December 20th, 1981, at the Imperial Theatre, Dreamgirls captivated audiences with its powerhouse vocals and dynamic storytelling of the flashy Hollywood dream. The show earned six Tony Awards and quickly secured its place as a landmark musical exploring fame and the cost of success.
The 2006 film adaptation, directed by Bill Condon and starring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx, introduced the story to a global audience. Jennifer Hudson’s performance became iconic, earning her an Academy Award and helping solidify Dreamgirls as a timeless story of resilience and the pursuit of self-worth.
Be glamorous, be heartfelt, and go watch the sparkles of fame with dream girls.
Raw, passionate and deeply human, Rent explores friendship, creativity and love in the face of hardship. Set in New York City, it follows a group of artists as they navigate life, loss, and the meaning of community while characters Roger, Mimi, Collins, and Angel struggle during the 1990s HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Rent made its groundbreaking Broadway debut on April 29th, 1996, at the Nederlander Theatre. Written by Jonathan Larson, the show reshaped modern musical theatre with its rock score, raw realism and compassionate exploration of love, illness, artistry and chosen family. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards.
In 2005, the original story was brought to film with several Broadway cast members reprising their roles. The adaptation carried the musical’s message of living fully and loving fiercely through all obstacles to the big screen.
A moving and transformative story, The Colour Purple celebrates strength, healing and the power of self-discovery. Through Celie’s journey, we see the unbreakable bonds between women and the resilience it takes to rise above adversity.
The Colour Purple first sparked on Broadway on December 1st, 2005, at the Broadway Theatre, adapting Alice Walker’s Pulitzer novel into a moving and soul-stirring musical. Praised for its emotional richness and powerful message, the production earned 11 Tony nominations.
Its 2015 revival, starring Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson, became a sensation and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
A new film adaptation of the musical was released on December 25th, 2023, bringing Celie’s story of endurance, sisterhood and triumph to a wider audience. Actors Taraji P Henson, Halle Bailey, and Fantasia brought a vocal strength that could never be replaced. With its breathtaking performances and deeply moving themes, The Colour Purple continues to remind audiences of the transformative power of healing, love and personal strength..
Whether you’re craving a little learning or just a whole lot of feel-good fun, you can always count on musicals to wrap you up in their charm. It has a way of meeting you exactly where you are, offering joy when you need a lift, comfort when you need reminding that you’re not alone, and inspiration when you’re searching for something more.
From the music that fills the room to the stories that stay with you long after the final bow, theatre invites you to laugh, learn, dream and feel deeply. No matter what you’re seeking, there is always a show ready to welcome you in and remind you just how wonderful it is to step into a world of imagination and heart.
You can still watch Wicked: For Good in a local theatre near you!
