6 must see musicals that you might not know about

When most people think of musical theatre, what first comes to mind is often Wicked, Hamilton, Les Misérables or The Lion King. With so many long-standing classics such as these continuing to fill theatres, it’s easy to overlook a wealth of incredible lesser known productions.

So, we decided to search the hallowed halls of Broadway and the West End for some of the lesser known musicals that may not be as well-known but are just as spectacular and shouldn’t be missed.

Bonnie and Clyde

Everyone knows their name, but do you know their story? Bonnie and Clyde the musical follows the journey of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow from West Texas nobodies to the most renowned, fearless and shameless outlaws of the Great Depression.

The music was created by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Dracula) with lyrics by Don Black. The very first production premiered in San Diego in 2009 and continued through to 2011 on Broadway. In 2012, Bonnie and Clyde was nominated for Best Original Score at the Tony Awards.

Fans love this musical for its catchy songs like ‘This World Will Remember Me’ and ‘Made In America’. The love story is electrifying and it’s an adventure that keeps you raptured.

Anastasia

We all know the story of the Grand Duchess of Russia, Anastasia Nikolaevna and the mystery and myth surrounding her life. Tony-Award winning songwriters Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens were so inspired by the story the decided to bring it to life on the stage. Fans of the animated movie will be surprised to see that this musical adaptation focuses on the rich Russian history and the brutal context of our heroine’s journey.

Anastasia The Musical debuted on Broadway in 2017 and closed in 2019 after over 800 performances. Fans love this musical for its passion, gorgeous costumes and a respect for history. Notable songs include the touching ‘In My Dreams’ and the sweetly romantic ‘In a Crowd of Thousands.’

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Manuel Puig, Kiss of the Spider Woman is an award-winning Musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret). Set in a prison in South America, two very different men share a cell and despite opposing each other in many ways, they begin to form a bond based of their visions of a better life. Molina is caught up in a fantasy world where a diva, Aurora, takes centre stage and Valentin is a Marxist revolutionary who is protecting his comrades.

Kiss of the Spider Woman opened for the first time in the West End in 1992 and then on Broadway in 1993 with over 904 performances. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1993. This underrated musical is loved for its redemptive story of love and friendship that is developed when human limits are pushed.

Catch Me If You Can

Most of us a familiar with the 2002 film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Catch Me If You Can the Musical is a stage adaptation of this true story. This comedy is about Frank Abignale Jr who, seeking fame and fortune, runs away from home and becomes a young con man. FBI agent, Carl Hanratty is hot on his heels and pursues Frank across the country to make him pay for his crimes.

Catch Me If You Can had a trial season in Seattle in 2009 before heading to Broadway in 2011 for over 170 shows. Despite a short run, the production received four Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, winning Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for Norbert Leo Butz playing Carl Hanratty.

Legally Blonde

If you loved the movie, you’ll love the musical adaptation. Legally Blonde the Musical is fun, fresh and full of charm. Follow Elle Woods as she navigates her journey to Harvard in the pursuit of romantic ambitions. Similar to the film, we get to see her flourish in her potential as a lawyer and stand up for what’s right.

Legally Blonde had a trial season in San Francisco in early 2007 before running on Broadway in April the same year. This musical was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Choreography. During production on the West End, Legally Blonde was also nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards, winning Best New Musical. The songs are upbeat and catchy with fan favourites like ‘Omigod You Guys’, ‘Bend and Snap’ and ‘There! Right There!’ staying in your head long after the show.

The Wedding Singer

Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer the Musical Comedy is an 80’s lover’s dream. Robbie Hart is the best wedding singer in New Jersey. People know him has the life of the party until his fiancé ditches him at the altar. Set on a path of misery, Robbie begins to fail at what he does best until he meets Julia who turns his life around.

The Wedding Singer had its world premiere in 2006 on Broadway and closed after 284 performances. The production continued to tour around the US and was nominated for Best Musical at the Tony Awards. Fans adore this musical for the throwback nostalgia, the big songs and the love story that we can’t get enough of.

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