Theatre Worker
First of all, I use the term “theatre nerd” endearingly. There’s nothing wrong with having a passion for something, even if it does come with some quirks that may raise a few eyebrows. But if you’re a real theatre nerd, then you’ll know most of the 100 songs I’ve listed below. These are all show-stoppers from landmark musicals.
Les Misérables
Set in early 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” follows the intertwining stories of several characters struggling for redemption and revolution amidst the backdrop of social and political turmoil.
The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano, Christine.
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical blends hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Broadway styles to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States.
Wicked
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” offers a reimagined backstory to the characters of the “Wizard of Oz,” focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch.
Rent
Jonathan Larson’s rock musical follows a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village during the AIDS crisis of the 1990s.
The Lion King
Based on the Disney animated film, “The Lion King” brings the African savanna to life on stage, telling the story of Simba, a young lion prince, and his journey to reclaim his rightful place as king.
Chicago
Set in the roaring twenties, “Chicago” is a satirical look at corruption and celebrity in the criminal justice system of Chicago, following the stories of two murderesses competing for fame.
Dear Evan Hansen
“Dear Evan Hansen” explores themes of loneliness, social anxiety, and the impact of social media in today’s society. It follows the story of Evan Hansen, a high school student dealing with social isolation and the aftermath of a classmate’s death.
West Side Story
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” is set in the mid-1950s in New York City and revolves around the rivalry between two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Stephen Sondheim’s dark and macabre musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, a barber seeking vengeance against the judge who wrongfully exiled him, with the help of his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett.
Into the Woods
Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of characters’ wishes and quests.
Cats
Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” introduces audiences to the Jellicle Cats and their annual Jellicle Ball, where one cat is chosen for rebirth.
- Memory
- Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
- The Rum Tum Tugger
- Mr. Mistoffelees
- Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
Evita
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical tells the story of Eva Perón, the wife of Argentine dictator Juan Perón, and her rise from poverty to become the First Lady of Argentina.
- Don’t Cry for Me Argentina
- Oh What a Circus
- Another Suitcase in Another Hall
- And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)
- High Flying, Adored
Avenue Q
“Avenue Q” is a puppet-filled comedy that follows a group of twenty-somethings as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, love, and identity in a rundown neighborhood in New York City.
- It Sucks to Be Me
- Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist
- The Internet is for Porn
- If You Were Gay
- There’s a Fine, Fine Line
The Sound of Music
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical tells the story of Maria, a young woman studying to become a nun who becomes the governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain in Austria, just before World War II.
Annie
Set in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, “Annie” follows the adventures of a spunky orphan girl who wins the heart of billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Fiddler on the Roof
“Fiddler on the Roof” is set in the Pale of Settlement of Imperial Russia in 1905 and centers on Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, and his efforts to maintain his family’s Jewish traditions in the face of changing social norms and growing anti-Semitism.
Cabaret
Set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party, “Cabaret” explores the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and the relationship between a young American writer and a British cabaret performer.
Matilda the Musical
Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, “Matilda the Musical” tells the story of a young girl with extraordinary powers who uses her intelligence and courage to stand up to her abusive parents and the tyrannical headmistress of her school.
Guys and Dolls
Set in New York City, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy that follows the intersecting stories of a high-rolling gambler, a missionary, a showgirl, and a nightclub performer as they navigate love and temptation.
- Luck Be a Lady
- Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat
- I’ve Never Been in Love Before
- Adelaide’s Lament
- A Bushel and a Peck
100 Musicals Bucket List Poster
If you’re looking for a musical theatre gift for a friend or loved one, then this scratch off musical theatre bucket list poster is awesome. It’s based on an idea that the famous Internet movie website, IMBD, came up with. They made a 100-movie scratch off list.
