You walk into the grand theater for a musical, and the red velvet seats stretch before you under the glow of the massive chandelier. A buzz of excitement fills the air as people chat and flip through their playbills. The lights dim, the orchestra rises, and a familiar overture begins to play.
From the streets of Paris to the Scottish Highlands, from 19th-century London to modern-day New York City, musical theater transports you through time and place.
10 of the most significant stage musicals ever to grace the world’s theaters
1. Oklahoma! (1943)
Premiering in 1943, Oklahoma! was the first collaboration between renowned duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. This stage musical is set in Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the 20th century. Oklahoma! follows the romantic pursuit of farm girl Laurey Williams by two suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry, who are both sinister and menacing.
The stage musical features many memorable and enduring songs, including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin, Kansas City, I Can’t Say No, and the title song Oklahoma! Oklahoma! was a box office smash, running for over 2,000 performances. It went on to win a special Pulitzer Prize in 1944. Decades later, Oklahoma! remains an American musical theater classic.
2. Singin’ In The Rain (1952)
Singin’ in the Rain is a musical comedy classic starring Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor. Set in 1920s Hollywood, it tells the story of Don Lockwood, a famous silent film star struggling with transitioning to “talkies” — movies with synchronized speech.
With show-stopping musical numbers and acrobatic dancing, Singin’ in the Rain is considered by many to be one of the greatest musicals ever made. Kelly’s iconic song and dance in the rain and Donald O’Connor’s comedic Make ‘Em Laugh number have cemented their place in history.
3. The Sound of Music (1959)
The Sound of Music story tells the story of Maria, a young nun in Austria who is sent to be the governess of the seven children of a naval officer, Captain Georg von Trapp. Based on the true story of the von Trapp family singers, the musical features unforgettable songs like Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things, Edelweiss, and The Sound of Music.
Critics were unimpressed when the musical opened on Broadway in 1959, but audiences loved it. The show ran for over 1,400 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Besides that, the 1965 film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer became an instant classic and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
4. West Side Story (1961)
Set in 1950s New York, this romantic tragedy is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. This musical revolves around two teenage gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The white American gang, the Jets, and the Puerto Rican Sharks.
Its rivalry between the groups intensifies when Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks leader, fall in love. Aside from that, the music was composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Memorable songs include Maria, Tonight, Somewhere, and I Feel Pretty.
5. Mary Poppins (1964)
The magical nanny Mary Poppins descends from the clouds over London, held aloft by her umbrella, to care for the Banks’ children — Jane and Michael. With her no-nonsense and peculiar style, Mary transforms the children’s lives with fun and adventure. She takes them on fantastical trips, dancing with cartoon penguins and riding carousel horses that jump off their poles.
Mary Poppins teaches the children valuable life lessons through her unconventional style. The story is filled with catchy songs and dazzling visuals with a heartwarming message about cherishing the joy of childhood.
Aside from that, the extremely talented Dick van Dyke is paired with a young Julie Andrews, who shines in her feature film debut as the practically perfect nanny Mary Poppins, winning an Academy Award for Best Actress.
6. Les Miserables (1985)
Based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel, Les Misérables is a musical set in 19th-century France. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man pursuing redemption after serving 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread.
Les Misérables premiered in London’s West End in 1985 and on Broadway a year later. It is renowned for its impressive score and timeless story of love, injustice, revolution, and moral redemption. The musical has been seen by over 70 million people worldwide in 42 countries and 22 languages.
Its many recognizable songs include I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Do You Hear the People Sing, and One Day More.
7. The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
The Phantom of the Opera is set in a Paris opera house in the 19th century. Its grand set design by Maria Björnson brings the opera house to life with a chandelier that famously crashes onto the stage. The musical’s epic score, also by Lloyd Webber, features songs like The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and Masquerade.
This story pursues a scarred musical genius, the Phantom, who haunts the opera house and becomes obsessed with a young soprano, Christine. The Phantom acts as a bizarre tutor who helps Christine become a star. However, Christine falls in love with Raoul, an old friend, infuriating the Phantom.
A story of seduction, passion, and envy, The Phantom of the Opera has enchanted audiences for over 30 years.
8. Wicked (2003)
Wicked is a musical based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. The musical features a thrilling score with hit songs such as Defying Gravity, Popular, and For Good.
Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003 and has captivated audiences with its inventive story and talented cast. It is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friend Glinda, the Good Witch.
The musical explores the earliest days of their friendship in the land of Oz and how they navigate Oz’s politics and societal pressures.
9. The Book of Mormon (2011)
The Book of Mormon is a hilarious musical comedy that satirically explores Mormon beliefs and culture. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show follows two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to convert citizens to the Mormon faith.
Upon arrival, the mismatched pair find their mission more difficult than expected. However, they eventually connect with the local villagers through outrageous and comedic events. The musical spoofs Mormon traditions and pokes fun at religion in general, while promoting messages of hope and empowerment.
With catchy songs and witty lyrics, The Book of Mormon has become a Broadway classic. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, cementing its status as a landmark 21st-century production.
10. Hamilton (2015)
Hamilton is a hip-hop-infused musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton. It premiered on Broadway in 2015 to widespread acclaim and commercial success.
The musical features a racially diverse cast portraying the Founding Fathers and other historical figures. This unconventional casting brings a modern sensibility to the story of America’s origins.
The show addresses timeless themes like legacy, love, and ambition through Hamilton’s eventful life. Although set in the 18th century, its story still feels relevant today. Dynamic choreography and an innovative set, including a rotating stage, provide a visual spectacle.
The art of stage musicals
With timeless stories, memorable music, and captivating characters, each production on this list is an actual work of art. So take your pick, buy your tickets, and prepare to be transported to a world of imagination, passion, and song. Musical theater, at its finest, has a magic all its own.
