Blog Post #22 - Kylie's Top 5 Musicals

By Guest Blogger: Kylie Nash '20
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Hello everyone! I hope you all are doing well and staying safe over this long break. If you don't already know me my name is Kylie! I'm a senior here at DHS and I'm thrilled to be one of the guest bloggers this week! Today i’m going to be sharing with you guys my top 5 favorite musicals!
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5. Waitress
Starting off the list we have Waitress! Waitress is a beautiful musical that tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl. The music and lyrics are written by the one and only Sara Barielles who wrote hits such as Love Song and Brave and a book by Jessie Nelson. The musical is based on the 2007 film of the same name. 

I had the privilege of seeing this musical when it came to Boston on tour. What strikes me most about this musical is it's beautiful and striking storyline. It portrays such a wide range of emotions, you go back and forth between laughing like crazy and crying like a baby. The music in this musical is very different stylistically from others. It's absolutely beautiful and I highly suggest listening to the cast recording!

Below you will find a link to the 2016 Tony Performance of Waitress including songs Opening Up and She Used to be Mine. This performance includes the original company of Waitress, Jessie Mueller who played Jenna and a special appearance by Sara Bareilles. 

4. Anastasia
This musical is very near and dear to my heart. Anastasia is a musical with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and a book by Terrence McNally. Anastasia is based on the 1997 animated film of the same name. It's an incredible adaptation of the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who was speculated to have escaped the execution of her family.

I could be a little biased with this one since it's based on one of my favorite childhood films, but this production is absolutely gorgeous. The music hits straight into the feels, contrasting with intense solos to a bubbly chorus. I was lucky enough to be able to see the premiere of this musical when it premiered in Hartford, CT. It left me speechless and teary eyed. It's driving performance definitely earned itself a spot on my list.

Below is a small clip with the original Broadway cast singing “Once Upon A December”, which includes Christy Altomare playing Anya (Anastasia). Though it is a short clip I highly recommend watching it! 

3. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
I absolutely adore this one! Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a jukebox musical based off of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film. Moulin Rouge tells the fictional story of a lovesick writer named Christian and chanteuse Satine whose lives collide at the club, Moulin Rouge. 

This is a very unique musical in my opinion. For one it's a jukebox musical, it takes hit songs and forms a storyline with them. Many jukebox musicals are typically centered around one group or artist, for example Mamma Mia and The Cher Show. Moulin Rouge though takes a wide array of songs by multiple artists and puts them all into one storyline. Not only that but includes some incredible mashups. 

Something I also feel that is worth sharing with this musical is the INCREDIBLE set and scenic design. Below is a picture!

The minute you walk into the theater you are transported straight into the setting of the musical! This set is the most immersive set i’ve ever seen!

I’ve linked below the official video of Aaron Tveit (who plays Christian) singing “Come What May”, one of my favorites from the show!

2. Hamilton
I’m sure most of you know this one. Hamilton is a hit musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Hamilton is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. Hamilton tells the story of the American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his ascent out of poverty and to power during the American Revolutionary War. 

What stands out most in this musical is its unique approach. The musical combines hip-hop, rap, jazz, and R&B. All the scores are very innovative and catchy. I was lucky enough to see this show when it came to Boston and it definitely lived up to my high expectations. Not only was the music incredible, but the choreography was unlike anything I've ever seen in other musicals. The show was absolutely mindblowing.

Below I've linked Hamilton’s 2016 Tony Awards performance with the original cast. This performance includes songs “History Has Its Eyes on You” and “Battle of Yorktown”. I highly suggest watching it if you haven't! It gives me chills everytime I watch it.

1. Hadestown
Finally, we have Hadestown. Hadestown is my personal favorite. Hadestown’s music, lyrics and book are all by Anaïs Mitchell. It tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus goes to the underworld to rescue his fiancée Eurydice.

Hadestown ranges vastly in music styles from American folk to New Orleans jazz to rock. This musical strikes me so much with its unique style, powerful music and an incredible concept. As someone who loves greek myths I fell in love with this musical very quickly. I could listen to the cast recording for hours straight. Though I have not seen this musical, I really hope someday in the future I will. For now though, I will be listening to the beautiful cast recording on repeat.

Below is Hadestown’s 2019 Tony Awards performance where the orginal cast performs “Wait For Me”. One of my favorite Tony Awards performances ever!

That's it for my list! I’m very interested in hearing your favorite musicals! If you’d like to, leave a comment below with your favorite musical(s). Once again, I hope you all stay safe and healthy during this break and I hope to see you all again at school soon!

Kylie Nash is a senior at Danvers High School.  She is a member of the Chamber Singers, President of Ingrid Sound, and serves on the Chorus Executive Committee.  Kylie is also active in the Danvers Academy Theatre Society at DHS serving on the student board and having held many significant roles in their productions.