If you know one thing about me, it is that I am the biggest theater nerd you will ever meet. Although my only acting credentials include old ladies and the best Tree #1 you will ever see, I have always loved musicals. I can only pretend to be coordinated enough to do a box square, and dream about writing the next smash hit musical about the American Revolution. (If Lin-Manuel Miranda can do it, so can I!) However, I do have a lengthy list of Broadway shows I would see if I had an unlimited amount of money and the power to bring them back to the lineup.
Hamilton: This musical about the ten dollar founding father has been on my bucket list for several years. My hidden talent is that I can rap this entire show start to finish, and I have no shame about it. So, naturally, I chose to see it on Broadway for my 18th birthday. Hamilton is the only reason I passed US History my junior year. If there was just a musical for math, I would be set. Kids and adults will enjoy this spectacular show, and I would recommend to anyone! Yes, anyone. I rate this show 9/10.
2. Newsies: This show, now closed on Broadway as of 2014, surrounds Jack Kelly, leader of the Newsboys Union in Manhattan in 1805. Alongside his group of newsies, they fight to bring back down the prices of newspapers. When I word it like that, it sounds incredibly boring, but as someone who despises history, I will vouch that it would be worth seeing if it were still open. Plus, Jeremy Jordan starred in it. Enough said. I rate this show 10/10.
#3. Aladdin: Yes, I'm a Disney nerd as well, so Aladdin had to be on the list. This show was absolutely amazing, and I loved every minute of it. I was one of those who saw the live action movie in theaters five times, so I had to see the performance when it came to the Peace Center. I was absolutely blown away. It was a perfect mix of music and dialogue, and so captivating that even your toddler wouldn't make a sound the whole show. I rate this show 10/10.
#4: The Great Gatsby: The soundtrack for this reimagined classic is all you would think it would be and more. It was in the running for a TONY award, which is a huge honor in the theater industry. Also, Jeremy Jordan is currently playing Jay Gatsby. Do I want to go just to see Jeremy Jordan? Maybe so. For this reason, I rate the show a solid 7/10 solely because I haven't personally seen it.
Are there many more I would love to see? For sure. Sadly, most of them have gone off Broadway and quit touring, so I'm forced to find illegal bootlegs of the shows on YouTube. Much like the failed production of the Bonnie and Clyde musical, these shows and more hold a special place in my heart.
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