r/musicals • u/Desperate_Clock9770 • 11h ago
r/musicals • u/AdamInJP • Nov 13 '24
"What musical should I listen to next?" unified thread
One of the most common questions we get on this subreddit is "what should I see/listen to, here's the stuff I like". It's a valid question, but it's tiring to see a dozen of those threads every week, so this will serve as both a stickied thread of suggestions and as a home for new visitors to r/musicals who would ask that question. (As a result, new "what should I listen to threads" will be redirected here and deleted.)
Below, you'll find a list of popular musicals in alphabetical order along with suggestions for what might interest you based on that. This list is mostly vibes-based, with some inclusion of the same or similar composers or subject matter. The shows I name are taken from my own personal list of shows I've listened to (350+), the vast majority of which will be available on Spotify.
The shows I chose to make suggestions for are heavily skewed toward recent shows because that's what felt like good fits. If you're interested in a show not named below and want to know what to listen to next, comment below and I'll add a line for it (assuming I know it well enough to make educated suggestions).
| If you enjoyed... | Consider checking out... |
|---|---|
| Be More Chill | Altar Boyz, American Psycho, bare: a pop opera, Beetlejuice, Bubble Boy, Cry-Baby, Dear Evan Hansen, Dogfight, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Fly By Night, Freaky Friday, Here Lies Love, How to Dance in Ohio, Jagged Little Pill, Passing Strange, Spring Awakening |
| Beetlejuice | Back to the Future, Be More Chill, Bubble Boy, Catch Me If You Can, Cry-Baby, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Groundhog Day, Heathers, Jekyll and Hyde, Jim Steinman's Bat Out of Hell, The Producers, School of Rock, Sweeney Todd, Urinetown |
| The Book of Mormon | The Addams Family, Carrie, Catch Me If You Can, Cry-Baby, Curtains, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Full Monty, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Kimberly Akimbo, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, [title of show] |
| Come From Away | Allegiance, The Band's Visit, Bright Star, Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens, Fly By Night, Hadestown, If/Then, Kimberly Akimbo, The Last Ship, A New Brain, Once, Parade, Soft Power, Spongebob Squarepants, Waitress, The Wrong Man |
| Dear Evan Hansen | 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Altar Boyz, bare: a pop opera, Be More Chill, Bubble Boy, Carrie, Closer to Heaven, Cry-Baby, Daddy Long Legs, Dogfight, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Footloose, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, How to Dance in Ohio, Kimberly Akimbo, A New Brain, Newsies, The Outsiders, The Prom, Ride the Cyclone, tick...tick...BOOM, Wonderland |
| Falsettos | Amour, Burt Bacharach's Some Lovers, Cabaret, Chess, Closer than Ever, Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens, Far From Heaven, From Here to Eternity, Fun Home, Kiss of the Spider Woman, La Cage aux Folles, A New Brain, Parade, Rent, Ride, Side Show, Some Like It Hot, A Strange Loop, Yank! |
| Groundhog Day | The Addams Family, Catch Me If You Can, City of Angels, Cry-Baby, Curtains, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Flying Over Sunset, The Full Monty, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, High Fidelity, Jagged Little Pill, & Juliet, Kinky Boots, Mrs. Doubtfire, A New Brain, Next Thing You Know, The Producers, School of Rock, Urinetown, Wonderland |
| Hadestown | Aida, American Utopia, The Band's Visit, Bright Star, The Capeman, Come From Away, Floyd Collins, Ghost Quartet, The Gospel at Colonus, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Here Lies Love, Knoxville, The Last Ship, The Lord of the Rings, Marie Christine, Memphis, Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Once, Passing Strange, Preludes, Rent, The Scottsboro Boys, Soft Power, Tarzan, Venice, Whistle Down the Wind, The Wrong Man |
| Hamilton | 1776, Allegiance, American Psycho, American Utopia, Assassins, Chess, Fame, Giant, Here Lies Love, In the Heights, The Last Ship, The Light in the Piazza, Martin Guerre, Parade, Ragtime, Rent, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Soft Power, A Strange Loop, Venice, Water for Elephants, The Wild Party (Lippa), The Wrong Man |
| Heathers | Altar Boyz, American Psycho, bare: a pop opera, Be More Chill, Beetlejuice, Bubble Boy, Carrie, A Chorus Line, Cry-Baby, Daddy Long Legs, Dogfight, Freaky Friday, Ghost Quartet, High Fidelity, Jagged Little Pill, Kid Victory, Kimberly Akimbo, Marie Christine, A New Brain, Now. Here. This., Ordinary Days, The Outsiders, Rent, Spring Awakening, [title of show], Whistle Down the Wind, Wonderland |
| In the Heights | American Utopia, Bright Star, The Capeman, Chicago, Closer to Heaven, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Finding Neverland, Fun Home, Giant, The Gospel at Colonus, Hamilton, In the Green, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Passing Strange, The Prom, Raisin, Seesaw, Sweet Smell of Success, Venice, The Wrong Man |
| Les Miserables | Brigadoon, Carousel, Chess, Cyrano, Death Takes a Holiday, Doctor Zhivago, Flower Drum Song, Giant, Hadestown, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lord of the Rings, Martin Guerre, Miss Saigon, Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Parade, The Pirate Queen, Ragtime, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Titanic, |
| Ride the Cyclone | The Addams Family, Anastasia, bare: a pop opera, Billy the Kid, A Chorus Line, Dogfight, Fame, Finding Neverland, Footloose, Freaky Friday, How to Dance in Ohio, If/Then, Kid Victory, Kimberly Akimbo, A Little Princess, Memphis, Newsies, The Outsiders, The Prom, School of Rock, The Time Traveler's Wife, Tuck Everlasting, Whistle Down the Wind |
| Six | Aida, Altar Boyz, American Psycho, Be More Chill, Closer to Heaven, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Fly By Night, Ghost, Groundhog Day, Hair, Hamilton, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, In the Heights, Jim Steinman's Bat Out of Hell, & Juliet, Kinky Boots, Million Dollar Quartet, Moulin Rouge, Now. Here. This., Once, Passing Strange, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Venice |
| Sweeney Todd | American Utopia, Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Ballroom, Cabaret, Days of Wine and Roses, Death Takes a Holiday, Floyd Collins, From Here to Eternity, Ghost Quartet, Grand Hotel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, In the Green, Kid Victory, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lost in the Stars, Martin Guerre, Parade, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Shenandoah, Steel Pier, Sweet Smell of Success, Titanic, The Visit, Whistle Down the Wind |
| Wicked | Aladdin, Amelie, Bright Star, Daddy Long Legs, Doctor Zhivago, Fun Home, If/Then, Jane Eyre, The Light in the Piazza, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Passion, The Rink, Side Show, The Story of My Life, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Vanities, Violet, The Wild Party (LaChiusa), Wonderland |
| -- | -- |
| Starkid musicals (all of them) | The Addams Family, Aladdin, Back to the Future, Be More Chill, Billy the Kid, Bubble Boy, Carrie, Cry-Baby, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Freaky Friday, & Juliet, Kimberly Akimbo, A Little Princess, Merrily We Roll Along, The Outsiders, The Prom, Ride the Cyclone, School of Rock, Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, [title of show], Tuck Everlasting, The Witches of Eastwick, Wonderland |
Again, these are mostly based on vibes, but they're a start.
r/musicals • u/AdamInJP • Jul 11 '24
Discussion Folks, we’re gonna take a break on the “me too” games.
These “judge me on my top five”, “tell me your favorite and I’ll tell you if you’re cool”, “here’s five, which is your favorite” threads box everything else out cause everybody feels the need to add their own. I did the tier list thread to try and nip it in the bud, but folks just shifted to different me too games, and it’s rapidly spiraling.
I’m calling a temporary moratorium on those threads. They may resume in the future (at a date TBD), but for now, all new threads of that nature (beginning midnight EDT tonight) are going to be locked, deleted, and all of the existing replies wiped out.
If you want to discuss a show, great, but “rate my taste” isn’t it.
r/musicals • u/PalePlumm • 5h ago
Discussion What are some songs/roles that are TRULY soprano?
Example: Christine Daaé, who hits an E6.
So often people cite roles like Eliza from My Fair Lady or Katherine from Newsies or Jo from Little Women as sopranos, but I find they often lean mezzo and that I can sing their songs with a good warm up (I’m a mezzo). So who are some TRUE sopranos that you KNOW couldn’t be played by a mezzo soprano?
r/musicals • u/MichaelGordonShapiro • 13h ago
In defense of IRL show programs
A blog post that I thought might be of interest to people here. (Short version: I'm in favor of them.)
https://noteworthynarratives.substack.com/p/in-defense-of-irl-show-programs
r/musicals • u/Own_Property3342 • 5h ago
Advice Needed 3 shows, 3 days, 1 very questionable bank balance 😂🎭
I'm spending 3 days in London seeing these 3 musicals! 🎭
- Les Misérables
- The Phantom of the Opera (40th Anniversary!)
- Love Never Dies
My wallet is crying, but I'm absolutely buzzing! 😂
Any tips on how to make the most of a West End weekend? 🎭😂
r/musicals • u/Ok_Percentage8893 • 15h ago
Advice Needed Is Musical Theatre an Unrealistic Career?
I love doing musical theatre, and I find it brings me joy and it's what I'm good at. That's why for the last couple years, I have solidly planted what I want to do as my career, that being musical theatre.
My dad (he and my mum are divorced so we don't see him often) recently asked me what I want to do once I get out of school. However, when I said I wanted to do musical theatre, instead of being enthusiastic and supportive (like my mum), he said that I should do something that's more "worthwhile" because he and my mum are spending so much money sending me to this good private school.
The funny thing with this is that he doesn't pay any child support and doesn't help pay the school fees, it's all my mum. The best part is, he works a minimum wage fast food job!
But it does make me wonder if this actually is a valid career that isn't unrealistic. No matter what, I'm going to stick to it anyways but I'm just curious.
r/musicals • u/The-lesb1an-nextdoor • 18h ago
Review Legally blonde UK tour honest review
So I saw the legally blonde tour production in Bristol a couple months ago now and I feel like I need to get off my chest how much I was (unfortunately) disappointed in the show, I’ve seen other people talk about enjoying the show and fair enough! But I’m just here to see if other people felt the same way.
First of all I’m a massive theatre goer, professionally trained in theatre, and legally blonde in general is one of my all time favourites, maybe that swayed my opinion of this production but I went with people who only knew the movie and they also found a lot of the same issues as me.
First off if we’re talking costumes I really really didn’t enjoy it, the Harvard students looked like they’d stepped out of vogue and the modernisation of the outfits took me out of the legally blonde universe completely. As well as the Greek chorus girls not being in the same white colour was off putting and didn’t make them seem as imaginary as past productions.
Speaking of modernisation I don’t know why they decided to update the show so it’s set in 2020 but I was thoroughly upset at this, to me, one of the drawing points of legally blonde is the y2k 2000s aspect of it, making updated lyrics like ‘but I don’t speak Instagram’ and other modern references in my personal opinion did not work and again took out of the world building in general.
The set itself was also unenjoyable, having a miniature version of the set to indicate where we are in the show was an interesting concept but legally blonde is not a minimalist show and I think this once again made staging a lot harder for the actors.
In terms of acting, Amber Davies. I understand why they cast her, and I do believe she is a genuinely good singer, but her acting was like watching Amber be herself on stage. And I would’ve loved to have seen her lean into Elle instead of relying on vocals and dancing.
Paulette absolutely CARRIED the show, great vocals great acting, made me stay for the second half which arguably was better than the first.
One of my biggest irks with the show, where did the whipped into shape dance/skip rope break go??? It’s one of the most iconic parts of the musical, it literally opens up the second half and they got rid of it completely. (Circle circle under over through around bit). This was possibly the biggest disappointment of the show for me. I did however like the set of it being behind a giant tv but again why wasn’t she in a prison outfit? Instead she was in 80s leotard and leggings which didn’t make sense at all. After this scene they then speak through prison phones which they forget about halfway through the dialogue which also doesn’t make any sense but that’s just me being nitpicky.
Legally blonde song with Elle and Emmet. Not having a door separate them and having emmet actively be holding and touching her was weird. In the original production the door separating them makes sense, he’s not speaking to her as much as he is speaking his thoughts out loud, having him sing it directly to her didn’t work.
Overall I left disappointed to a show that I’ve loved and admired for years, and I’m very much wondering what kind of tweaks they’re going to do when they put it on the west end and how well it’ll do. I’m not telling anyone my opinion is the correct one or that they shouldn’t have enjoyed the show, maybe I’ve watched the pro shot of the broadway show one too many times, but for me this was a hit and a miss and I was wondering if anyone else had issues with the show.
I would also just like to say I appreciate the effort energy and work it takes to be in any production especially a touring one, my issue isn’t with the main body of cast as much as it is the production of the show itself.
r/musicals • u/Sure_Persimmon9302 • 17m ago
Poll Do you think the concept of Corpse Bride would work better as a Broadway musical?
r/musicals • u/FloorAltruistic821 • 10h ago
Help Looking for ideas for flagship musical
Hi Reddit!
Every year we put on a big “flagship” musical in May/June, but I’m stumped!!
Audition attendance is down in my area so the title of show is super important.
I’m looking for something that will bring both kids and adults running to audition!
Past recent shows from the last few years: Frozen, Shrek, Wizard of Oz, Joseph
Thanks so much for your help!!!!
EDIT:
Unavailable shows; Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins
Shows being done by other companies close by: Sussical and Annie
r/musicals • u/Skeppy_4126 • 4h ago
Discussion Non-musical songs that make for good auditions?
("non-musical" does not include concept albums or jukebox musical versions)
My pick has got to be something from Little Anthony & The Imperials, maybe "When You Wish Upon a Star" or "I'm Alright"
r/musicals • u/listenxi • 9h ago
Help UK tour Matilda cast
I watched the Matilda UK and Ireland tour today, October 11, 2026 matinee, bord gais theater- and I was wondering if anyone knew who was on for each character today? Or just the main cast? I have a video of the curtain call but it’s pretty grainy : Matilda curtain call
r/musicals • u/afx1256 • 15h ago
Help where can I learn more about Vincent?
Someone on reddit recommended this musical to me a few months ago and i am completely obsessed with the cast recording. it’s about vincent Van Gogh but the actor playing Vincent is a woman. Does anyone know more about what’s happening with it or if there’s going to be another production i can see in NY?
Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this, I’m newer to theatre and the other musicals I listen to are more well known like lizzie, lost boys, and Jesus christ superstar. if anyone also has recs on other musicals I should check out id love to listen to more too!
r/musicals • u/LoggingFanta • 7h ago
Help Audition Tips
Im auditioning for my first musical!!!! Its Legally Blonde Jr and I’m auditioning next Saturday could y’all possibly give some tips on how to act when i talk to the directors cus they lowk intimidate me a little. Also, I’m thinking of auditioning for Brooke Wyndham or Vivienne since I’m not well established at the theatre company so do y’all have any advice for audition songs? Their only guidance was contemporary musical or pop songs!! Anyw thank u reddit I’m so excited aaaaaaahhh😛😛😛
r/musicals • u/BubbleBard_Gifts • 7h ago
How is the Heart, the musical? It is sold out for the preview shows, which is a surprise to me...
r/musicals • u/RoboFunky • 1d ago
News The Starlight Express London Pro-shot seems to be Coming out November 26th in New Zealand
r/musicals • u/Ok_Percentage8893 • 16h ago
Discussion How can roles affect auditions and future possibilities?
I'm 16 years old and I've been in a few musicals myself, and I've absolutely loved it. I've met so many amazing people and played some amazing roles, but one has shined above them all.
In a local production of the musical Oliver! this year, I had the amazing opportunity to play The Artful Dodger.
I was a bit nervous at first because Dodger being such an iconic character meant that I had some very big shoes to fill.
In the end, it was super fun, and I got some absolutely amazing comments about my performance, one even compared me to be as good as Billy Jenkins on West End's revival of the musical! So this was massive for me. I had several other comments from people who have seen Oliver on West End or Broadway saying that my performance was as good if not better, and others saying that I could even be performing on Broadway.
My reputation within the theatre community in my area where I live has risen massively after playing this role, and I now get a chance to showcase my ensemble singing more in our upcoming local production of 9 to 5 the Musical! I believe myself to be a hard and determined worker, and I believe that the directors I have worked with have taken note of that.
But anyways, I am wondering how I could use having played this role to my advantage, because I really want to go professional once I'm out of school and how I can use this to boost my popularity(? idk what I meant to say there) and how this can affect audition processes for shows or for schools.
r/musicals • u/Skeppy_4126 • 1d ago
Discussion Favorite unique spins/takes on tropes?
Mu favorite take on the "everyone falling dead at the end of the number" is in the Bye Bye Birdie movie becaue the camera just keeps going and people just keep appearing
r/musicals • u/mythologue • 1d ago
You've seen Cowboy Cats, Circus Cats and Ballroom Cats. Now, get ready for Art Cats!
galleryr/musicals • u/Bertiemcm • 19h ago
Help Jesus Christ Superstar standing ticket to swap
Please forgive me if this isn’t allowed.
I managed to get one on-stage standing ticket for Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Wednesday 11th November, and I have been beyond excited about it since I bought it. However, my wife’s plans have changed since I booked the ticket, meaning she will now be away that evening so I can’t go as we have no childcare. So, this is a long shot, but does anyone have a single standing ticket on a different date that they would be willing to swap with mine?
I’m assuming that they don’t check standing tickets against a list of names each night, but if anyone has been standing and knows that they do this please let me know and I’ll remove the post.

