Buzz
Not everyone may be captivated by musical theater, but its appeal is undeniable, drawing large audiences with its extravagant sets, dynamic performances, and captivating songs and dances. In fact, Broadway’s 2018–2019 season recorded a stunning $1.83 billion in revenue, with more than 14.7 million theatergoers. Some musicals craft entirely fictional tales, while others delve into actual historical events. As a passionate fan of both musicals and American history, I've spent a considerable amount of time enjoying shows like Hamilton. Though I appreciate Lin-Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece about the Founding Father, it’s worth noting that it’s not the only musical that brings history to life—and I’d even argue that there are others that do it even better.
This compilation highlights ten musicals based on real historical events. From humorous to heartbreaking, these performances run the gamut of emotions, and while you might not be able to experience them live, you can still enjoy their music and vividly imagine the scenes.
10. Clinton: The Musical
The title speaks for itself. This satirical production focuses on the presidency of Bill Clinton, but with a twist: the character of Clinton is divided into two versions. One side, Bill, is carefree and fun-loving, while the other, W.J., is more serious and thoughtful. Only Hillary Clinton can see both sides at once. Written by Paul Hodge and Michael Hodge, the show takes a humorous look at the 42nd President’s time in office. Audiences enjoyed its brief, 10-week off-Broadway run in 2015.
Clinton: The Musical is hands down one of the funniest musicals I’ve ever encountered, and trust me, I’ve seen plenty. Imagine this: Kenneth Starr as an extravagant pop star, Eleanor Roosevelt as Hillary’s personal guide, and Newt Gingrich playing himself. This show takes the Clinton scandal and flips it on its head. If you want a glimpse into the humor, give Monica Lewinsky’s song (“Monica’s Song”) a listen—you’ll quickly see why it’s a crowd favorite.
9. Chicago
Chicago, the Windy City, has always been a hub of crime and scandal, and this musical brings that dark side to life in an incredibly fun and seductive way. Based on the real-life events that saw the city captivated by female murderers in the 1920s, Chicago brings the Jazz Age to the stage with a compelling storyline.
Roxie Hart murders her lover after discovering his infidelity, landing her in Cook County Jail. There, she meets a group of women who’ve committed crimes, each claiming their actions were justified. The show tracks Roxie’s attempt to sell herself as a harmless woman acting in self-defense, all while her new ‘friends’ try to sabotage her. Chicago holds the title of the longest-running American musical on Broadway, and it’s easy to see why—its energy keeps you hooked from start to finish.
8. Come from Away
Though 2001 might not seem like distant history, the tragic 9/11 attacks form the heart of this musical. Come from Away recounts the true story of how the small Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, became the unexpected home for over 7,000 stranded travelers during the attacks.
Gander, a town with a population of just 10,000, boasts an ideal airport for transatlantic flights to the U.S. When the sudden directive required all planes to land, the town found itself hosting thousands of international visitors. The musical's characters are based on the real residents of Gander as well as the travelers who took refuge there. These individuals not only had to cope with the aftermath of 9/11 but also the challenge of being in an unfamiliar country without any of their own.
While a musical about 9/11 might not initially seem like the ideal choice for those seeking a light-hearted experience, Come from Away is surprisingly uplifting. Rather than focusing on the sorrow in Gander, the show highlights the generosity and kindness of the residents who went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. With celebrations, music, prayers, and humor, this production radiates a deep appreciation for humanity, even amidst the darkest of times.
7. Bonnie and Clyde
The infamous crime duo, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, once again have their tumultuous lives brought to the stage in Frank Wildhorn’s musical adaptation. Set to a mix of rockabilly, blues, and gospel music, the show captures the essence of their time and roots. Originally premiering in 2009 in La Jolla, California, with additional performances through 2011, the musical saw a revival in April 2022 at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End.
The musical does an excellent job of depicting the Depression-era couple as products of their time. Clyde admires figures like Al Capone and Billy the Kid, dreaming of achieving their wealth and fame. Bonnie, equally ambitious, aspires to be a movie star but finds her dreams derailed when Clyde introduces her to the world of crime. While Bonnie and Clyde doesn’t delve deeply into intellectual critiques of the American prison system, it certainly offers catchy tunes and presents the thrilling exploits of these infamous Americans in a fresh and engaging manner.
6. 1776
Similar to Hamilton, 1776 centers on the years leading up to the birth of the United States and the roles of its founding fathers. The story follows John Adams, the main character, as he fervently attempts to persuade the Second Continental Congress that the colonies must sever their ties with England. Though we already know the outcome of this historic event, the music and lively portrayals of historical figures maintain the audience’s interest.
John Adams, portrayed on Broadway by William Daniels (best known as Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World), roams Philadelphia during the sweltering summer of 1776, striving to convince Congress that independence is worth the peril. With witty remarks from Benjamin Franklin and inspiring words from Thomas Jefferson, 1776 takes some creative liberties to tell the classic story of America's quest for independence.
First performed on Broadway in 1969, 1776 saw a revival in 1997 and was adapted into a film in 1972.
5. Cabaret
Filled with love, passion, prostitution, and the rise of Nazis—what more could you ask from a show? Cabaret is an iconic musical inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s novel Goodbye to Berlin, set against the backdrop of 1930s Berlin. The story centers on the quirky romance between cabaret singer Sally Bowles and writer Cliff Bradshaw, but it gradually becomes entangled in the larger, looming threat of World War II.
Cabaret frequently breaks the fourth wall, with the emcee delivering off-color jokes while also providing a window into the lives of performers at the time. This mix of humor and heartbreak makes the show especially moving, drawing you into the personal stories of love and loss, only to remind you that the world is about to change drastically.
Much like The Twilight Zone, Cabaret contains a series of jaw-dropping twists. Starting off with laughter, the show soon leads you to tears on several occasions. It masterfully blends wit with deep sadness. Since its debut on Broadway in 1966, Cabaret has had multiple revivals, including U.S. and UK tours, Broadway returns, and West End productions—most recently in 2021. A 1972 film adaptation of Cabaret, directed by Bob Fosse, starred Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey.
4. Ragtime
Based on E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, Ragtime is a captivating and layered musical that blends fictional and historical narratives in early 20th-century America. Multiple intersecting plots unfold, some based on real events and others purely imagined. Real-life figures such as anarchist Emma Goldman, vaudeville star Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, industrial magnate Henry Ford, and the renowned magician Harry Houdini all make appearances. Ragtime first debuted in Toronto in 1996 and opened on Broadway in 1998, eventually winning the Tony Award for Best Musical Score.
The central narrative of Ragtime follows a wealthy white family from New Rochelle as they cross paths with a Jewish immigrant fleeing the city and become entangled in the struggles of Coalhouse Walker, an African American man fighting for civil rights through violent means. The show weaves together these plotlines, though it’s hard to fully describe its complex and varied scenes. Each moment evokes the spirit of early America, at the dawn of the ragtime music era.
3. Assassins
With music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim—whose works include West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and many other groundbreaking musicals—how could Assassins not make an impact? Part of its appeal comes from its initial reception, as audiences initially perceived it as a twisted love letter to a group of murderers.
Assassins is a thought-provoking revue-style musical that explores the lives of nine individuals who attempted to assassinate the president. It features infamous figures like John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, along with lesser-known characters such as Giuseppe Zangara and Sam Byck, whose names are far less recognized by the general public.
This musical boldly blends eras and spaces, featuring men from the 1880s who flirt with a woman born fifty years later. The music is cleverly matched to each assassin’s time, with John Wilkes Booth’s song echoing a classic American folk tune, and Reagan-era John Hinckley Jr. performing an ’80s pop ballad dedicated to Jodie Foster.
The show goes beyond telling the stories of these assassins and would-be assassins; it suggests that their narratives have been erased from history, and that’s an injustice. The audience listens as John Wilkes Booth defends his belief that Lincoln deserved to die and hears young Americans, driven by their version of the American Dream, take actions they think are necessary to succeed. Watching/listening to Assassins, you realize you’re not just learning about misfits in American history. You’re hearing stories of people dismissed as insane, but who may have a kernel of reason in their actions.
2. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Hamilton often gets accolades for blending rap music with American history. While it holds the title as the first grand-scale historical rap musical, it’s not the first to reinterpret the Founding Fathers in a new style. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson offers a fresh take on the seventh president’s life, presenting Jackson as an emo rock star. The show premiered in Los Angeles in 2008 and hit Broadway in 2010, leading to several regional and international performances since.
The musical is full of humor, with music that recalls early 2000s Green Day, yet it still manages to pull at the heartstrings. It follows Jackson through the loss of his parents and wife, as well as the unusual adoption of his Native American son. Known as one of America’s most controversial presidents, Jackson is depicted as both a villain and a hero in the show. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is not only wild and bizarre, but it also reflects the true origins of the Democratic Party, the Indian Removal Act, and Jackson’s life in a uniquely outrageous, unconventional, and hilarious way.
1. Parade
Based on real events, Parade tells the gripping story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man put on trial and imprisoned for the alleged rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Atlanta in 1913. While the tale is undeniably tragic, the show offers a powerful exploration of the racism and anti-Semitism that prevailed in the South after the Civil War. With Jason Robert Brown providing both music and lyrics, Parade first premiered on Broadway in 1998, where it earned a Tony Award for Best Score.
What makes Parade so compelling is the uncertainty surrounding Leo Frank's guilt. The musical seems to lean in his favor, suggesting that he was accused solely due to his Jewish identity in a town filled with prejudice. Though history confirms that anti-Semitism influenced the trial, there remains a possibility that Frank was indeed guilty. The show tells the story from Frank’s perspective, leaving his guilt or innocence open to interpretation. Both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, Parade offers a unique glimpse into a darker part of America's past.
