There have been many things I’ve missed throughout the world being shut down, and while many of those things I’ve learned to live without, one thing I miss dearly is going to see a Broadway show! I’ve chatted with Libby from PreMed Wears Pearls about our love for Broadway, and just how excited we are for theaters to open back up!
In looking back at the last few years, I feel so lucky to have seen several amazing touring shows that have come to Denver, participated in theatre shows in high school, and have seen shows at local theatres. While I have never seen a show on Broadway (I’ve never actually been to NYC!), there are many shows on my bucket list that I hope to see when things open up again.
My love for theater stems from a young age when my Mom introduced me to the old musicals starring the likes of Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland.. I remember watching “White Christmas”, “Singing in the Rain”, “State Fair”, “Easter Parade”, and “Music Man” constantly. From an early age, I developed a deep love of theater. To this day, one of my favorite musicals is “Sound of Music”. It’s actually my favorite movie of all time and I could watch it on repeat.
While I loved acting in church musicals and participating in theatre my Senior Year of high school, I’ve loved watching shows and subsequently singing at the top of my lungs to various soundtracks.
Throughout the years, I feel fortunate to have seen many different musicals on tour in Denver at the Denver Center for Performing Arts as well as countless shows at my Alma Maters, Luther College and Arapahoe High School, and our local theatres.
Sharing our love for theater, Libby and I wanted to put together a list of some of our favorite shows we’ve seen as well as shows we have on our bucket list! Be sure to check out Libby’s post: it’s been marvelous to follow her adventures as she’s seen a variety of shows on Broadway in New York over the years!
Here’s a few of my top favorites that I’ve seen:
Is this even a surprise?! I cannot tell you how deep my love is for this show and all it stands for. You talk about a pivotal show that not only is able to portray the formative years of America but also proclaims a louder message about standing up for what is right and not only standing up but standing for something. I’m continuously in awe at the generations this show continues to inspire. Lin Manuel has expertly crafted a show that is woven with musical intricacies but also deeper messages that have resonated loudly. When Hamilton came to Denver, I was fortunate enough to get tickets from the lottery and I would see it again in a heartbeat!
2 // Anastasia
I was beyond thrilled with this show. While the musical is taken from the Disney movie, “Anastasia”, I loved how the musical elaborated upon the original story. Everything about this show was incredible to me. From the glitzy costumes to the heart-felt music, and the gorgeous sets, the story really came alive to me. Both my Mom and I were truly spellbound and would LOVE to see it again!
3 // Wicked
This was one of the first shows I saw at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and I was spellbound. We were fortunate to get orchestra seats, and being able to see the workings of the cast and crew on set was enchanting. Besides that, the story is completely unique, the music is breathtaking, and the characters are very lovable and believable. If you haven’t seen Wicked, I would highly recommend it!
4 // The Secret Garden
This is definitely a show that is lesser-known, but having seen this show put on by different productions over the years at local theaters, I have fallen in love with this story. This follows the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett and incorporates an amazing cast into the mix.
5 // Phantom of the Opera
This was the last show we saw before the theaters closed, and it was so great to see! Phantom had been on my bucket list for years (we had actually planned on seeing it in the West End when we were in London), so seeing it was pretty sweet. I was in awe of the sets and the music, as well as the costumes!
Other plays and musicals I have loved:
- Sound of Music
- White Christmas
- Meet Me In Saint Louis
- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Once Broadway opens up, here are a few of my bucket list shows I would love to see!
- Lion King
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Waitress
- The Book of Mormon
- Mean Girls
While Broadway is shut down, there are many people who are out of work. Until theatres are given the green light to go ahead and open, here is a great article listing a few marvelous ways to donate and support the work of actors, actresses, and the crew.
What shows are you excited to see once Broadway opens up?
Libby says
Awwww love love!! I am SO excited for when Broadway and theatre reopens!! You need to add the revival of The Music Man to your list because it was supposed to open last fall, but obviously did not haha. Also the last picture!! I should have dug up one of me in a show haha 🙂
CaitlinLemonadePress says
Oooo I definitely need to add Music Man to my list! Such a classic. Thanks, friend!
Ro // A Cup of Kims says
Oooh, I loved this post! Hamilton is also one of my favorites of all time! It’s so so good and so well done, but I wish I could’ve seen it in person! Maybe in the future when theatres reopen! I saw The Lion King several years back and it was so so good live! I also really enjoyed Matilda, which I saw a few years back when it came in town. Loved reading this post!
CaitlinLemonadePress says
Ro, thank you so much for stopping by! I hope things are going well! I would LOVE to see Matilda. Cannot wait for theaters to reopen!