Hello folks, lately, after a month long break or so from my Broadway playlist, I’ve dived back into the world of musical theater. (Much, very much, to the chagrin of my sister.)

But rather than listening to all the same musicals, I’ve been listening to lots of new ones. And it’s been really fun! I’m actually seeing Sunday in the Park With George this week, as a result of finding it last week.

Today I wanted to share three of my new favorites with you. Let me know what you think!

Bandstand 

I have a thing for the 40’s. (Hmm I wonder why my book is set in that era?) Something about the classiness, determination, jazziness, and heroism just appeals to my old, born in the wrong era soul.

So naturally when I heard there was a whole musical focused on swing music and the aftermath of the war (a very neglected topic if you ask me), I was excited, to say the least.

And Bandstand is everything I hoped it would be. Classy, sweet, deep. Such character development and such fun, all wrapped into one show.

Also, Laura Osnes is amazing. And Corey Cott makes me swoon.

Favorites:

Donny Novitski 

Aint We Proud

Nobody 

Welcome Home

Welcome Home (Reprise) 

Those last two make me cry. A lot. Just think what all those soldiers and wives and sisters and brothers and mothers and fathers had to go through.

“And I stand here helpless with my arms extended, knowing full well darling that your war’s not ended.”

(And if you don’t find that line beautiful I don’t know what to say to you.)

Amelie

This one is rather strange. (But not as odd as the Great Comet. *laughs nervously*) But the music is really cute and sweet and I appreciate it’s honesty and quirkiness.

Favorites:

Times Are Hard For Dreamers

The Girl With the Glass 

Stay

Sunday in the Park With George

I have so many thoughts. So many. I think this may be my new favorite musical, at least until I find another equally as amazing one.

(Hold on, we’re going to get a little nerdy here.) The music seems to be heavily classically influenced which makes my Chopin/Rachmaninoff/Debussy loving little soul very happy. And that fact that the whole thing is based off a piece of artwork sets my artsy little self into fireworks. Have I mentioned the music? It’s gorgeous. Amazing. The vocals, the piano arrangements, everything.

AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN GOTTEN TO THE STORY YET.

So. Much. Depth.

The tension between being where you are and pushing forward, the tension between investing in your passions and investing in the people around you, the tension between appealing to people and creating something honest.

Might I mention that lovely little idea that creating something new is creating something that comes from you. (That rhymed. Very proud of myself right there.)

And also the thought that perhaps allowing yourself to be where you are is, in a way, pushing forward?

And the whole “give us more to see” theme.

And that “Moving On” song that does things to my heart I can’t explain. Something about it touches me very very deeply.

Wow. I am floored.

Favorites:

Finishing the Hat

We Do Not Belong Together 

Children and Art 

Move On

Tis all for today. What are your favorite musicals?