Six Musicals That Touched Our Hearts

Nothing brings us together like a good musical. Here are six musicals that shook the nation with their powerful themes.

Written by Nehal Kamel

Musicals have always been loved, not only for their whimsical rhymes and musical dialogue, but also for the message in them that always resonate with the audience. Here are six timeless musicals that inspired thousands.

1. Hamilton

Making its debut on June 20, 2015, “Hamilton,” the unconventional retelling of America’s beginning, took the nation by storm. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” is not only the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, but also a story of immigrants and a diverse America. Miranda explained the reasoning of an all-minority cast, stating that “This is the story of America then told by America now.” Embracing immigrants and people of color, “Hamilton” gave America hope in a time when we were losing it. This musical reminds us that America is a nation founded by immigrants for immigrants, and that anyone with a good heart has a place here.

2. Dear Evan Hansen

“Dear Evan Hansen” premiered on November 14, 2016, and was written by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Steven Levenson. The heartbreaking yet touchingstory of grieving teenagers raising awareness after the sudden suicide of a friend shone a light on the taboo topic of mental illness. Featuring songs about anxiety (Waving Through A Window), depression (Disappear), and suicide (For Forever), the play tells a moving story about the importance of a strong support system, family, and friends. “Dear Evan Hansen” touched the hearts of many, songs like “You Will Be Found” encouraged listeners to reach out for their loved ones, and the musical will remind us all that we are not alone.

3. Les Miserables

A story of revolution, poverty, and kindness, “Les Misérables” was first performed in 1985 and remains a classic to this day. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, “Les Misérables” follows the life of a man imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. After a life-changing encounter with the merciful Bishop of Digne, Valjean decides to turn his life around, changes his name, and eventually becomes mayor. The play branches out to tell different stories of people around him, filled with love, community, and sacrifice. As the fifth-longest-running Broadway show of all time, it is clear that their message was heard.

4. The Color Purple

Photo courtesy of the Internet Broadway Database

“The Color Purple’s” complex plot encompasses so many groundbreaking topics that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 epistolary novel of the same name, playwright Marsha Norman’s book of a musical tackles the topics of racism, sexist societal roles, and homophobia. Narrated by protagonist Celie, “The Color Purple” puts on a beautiful musical display of an array of strong women. From independent Sofia to beautiful singer Shug, the musical covers an array of minority groups that band together to overcome societies clasps on African Americans and women. “The Color Purple” is an empowering, heartwarming musical that discusses the struggles of African American women and shows how they find strength in each other — teaching the audience about the importance of strong will and solidarity.

5. Wicked

Originally published as a novel in 1996 and opening on Broadway in 2003, “Wicked” is a modern retelling of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz.” This musical tells the timeless story through the eyes of the Wicked Witch, Elphaba. “Wicked” offers a different perspective on the legendary villain by painting her as an ambitious college student cast out of a corrupt society because of her skin condition and political activism. “Wicked” touches the heart of every outcast and anyone who’s felt the pressure of societal oppression upon them. It teaches us that there are always two sides to the story –– and the prettiest side is not always the best one.

6. In The Heights

Photo courtesy of Caught In The Moment Photography

Yet another musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In The Heights” opened on Broadway in 2008. A dance-filled tale of a small neighborhood with a large Latinx population, it pulls at the hearts of its audience with themes most people can relate to. The musical tells the story of small business owners struggling with money, a college girl unable to handle the academic and financial stress of school, and a caring abuela who wins the lottery. “In The Heights,” a play filled with culture and family, simultaneously breaks our hearts and fills our eyes with tears for the amount of love people have for one another. The message about the importance of community in “In The Heights” has moved people for years and will soon reach an even wider audience as it prepares for a movie release in 2020.

Afterglow ATXDecember 17, 2018nehal kamel