The Best of Broadway

by Sadie, Grade 6

Best of Broadway

The flashing lights, dazzling costumes, and symphony of music makes Broadway Blvd. in New York City the place where legends are born. The Broadway stage is known for displaying incredibly amazing shows, and here are some of the best. (In my opinion.)

Frozen

Frozen is such a well-known story by now, and it only makes sense that it finally came to Broadway in 2018. Based on the Disney movie of the same name, Frozen is the tale of two royal sisters separated at a young age because of a secret. The sisters must journey to unknown heights to unfreeze the kingdom, and become as close as ever once again. With twists, turns, and humor, no wonder this musical is near the top of the charts.

Hamilton

Of course, I had to include Hamilton. The show itself is basically a legend! In case you didn’t know already, Alexander Hamilton was an actual guy living in early America (the 1700s.)

The basic plot is about a boy who builds himself up from just about nothing and becomes an important delegate in New York. “In New York, you can be a new man!” There are also touches of romance and lots of drama, and I can definitely understand why this musical is such a big deal.

Mamma Mia!

“Mamma Mia!” the musical first came out in October of 2001. In 2008, the movie came out, starring Meryl Streep as the main character, Donna. This musical uses breathtaking music and choreography to portray the story of a teenage girl that is trying to figure out which of her mother’s past lovers is her father. This dramatic show is fun and fresh and all-around phenomenal.

Matilda

Based on the book by Roald Dahl that came out a full 32 years ago, Matilda is a classic. The movie hit theaters in 1996 and first premiered on broadway in 2012, only to close 5 years later. The show follows the chronicle of Matilda Wormwood, an exceptionally bright little girl who is starting school, and not without hardships. After bonding with her teacher, Matilda rebels against the despicable headmaster and finally finds happiness.

Heathers

Technically, Heathers is an off-Broadway production, but I just had to include it. This musical began in 2010, based on the movie, released in 1989. Although being critically acclaimed, this movie did especially well among a younger audience, namely teenagers. This musical quickly takes a dark turn, where the lead role, Veronica, finds out her new boyfriend isn't the greatest guy… There is lots of death, blood, and content that is not exactly school appropriate, but feel free to watch this R rated movie on your own.

Mean Girls

Based on the movie that came out in 2004, Mean Girls premiered on Broadway in 2018, so like Frozen, it’s pretty new. The title of the show is pretty self-explanatory; Kady is the new girl and happens upon the mean girls. Then all the drama begins, from boys to burn books. If not for the blood and gore, this movie may actually be similar to heathers. The protagonist joins the mean girls. In fact, there are conspiracy theories that Mean Girls is really based off of Heathers. Are these theories true? We may never know.

Hairspray

Hairspray first appeared on Broadway in 2002, based upon the original movie released in 1988. And in 2007 a new and fresh hairspray movie (with Zac Efron, of course) made its debut. Hairspray follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a teenage dancer who dreams of making it big. Er, I shouldn’t say big… making herself known. Hairspray is a musical touching on the way segregation in the 1900s affected African-American dancers. Although the topics it refers to are more serious and important, the musical finds a way to include humor and charm into the show. Anyway, feel free to watch this movie on Netflix.