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Musical theater enthusiasts understand that each performance offers a chance to connect with remarkable characters, immerse in captivating narratives, and witness extraordinary talent. While many of us can effortlessly sing along to hits from “The Producers,” “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” or “Hamilton,” it’s impossible to catch every Broadway show. Some exceptional productions often go unnoticed. This list uncovers hidden Broadway treasures that deserve a spot on everyone’s must-watch list.
Here are the top 10 Broadway musicals you’ve likely never encountered before.
10. Contact (2000)
Dance is one of the most profound ways to express emotion, and “Contact” brilliantly captures this essence. Unlike traditional musicals, it features no original score or spoken dialogue. Instead, it weaves its narrative through a modern ballet set to a jukebox soundtrack. Created by Susan Stroman and John Weidman, the musical explores the theme of human connection—or the absence of it. Divided into three segments titled “Swinging,” “Did You Move,” and “Contact,” the story unfolds entirely through the art of dance.
The inspiration for “Contact” came from Stroman’s own nightlife experience, where she encountered a mesmerizing woman in a yellow dress. This woman, who became the center of attention whenever she danced with a partner, sparked the idea for a musical that uses dance as its primary storytelling tool. While “Contact” is celebrated for its innovative approach, its progressive nature divides theater audiences, serving as both a strength and a limitation. Despite this, the musical earned the 2000 Tony Award for Best Musical, a victory that sparked debate due to its lack of live singing or an original score.
9. Hands on a Hardbody (2013)
Can dreams truly come alive on Broadway? Absolutely—especially for individuals from all walks of life! “Hands on a Hardbody” is a musical that centers on the aspirations of ten Texans vying for a shiny red Nissan truck. Set under the blazing sun, the contestants must endure the heat and keep one hand on the truck at all times. The story revolves around their perseverance, with only one person ultimately driving away with the prize.
This remarkable production is inspired by a 1994 documentary about an endurance contest in Longview, Texas, where 24 participants competed to keep their hands on a pickup truck the longest. The Broadway adaptation breathes new life into the tale, featuring a score by Amanda Green (“Bring It On: The Musical”) and a book by Doug Wright (“I Am My Own Wife”).
8. Newsies (2017)
“Extra, extra, read all about it!” Newspaper headlines are the lifeblood of any city, and Disney’s “Newsies” brings the world of newspaper boys to life. The musical follows a band of orphaned newsboys in Lower Manhattan as they clash with Joseph Pulitzer, a powerful newspaper magnate. Tensions rise when Pulitzer hikes the price of his papers, sparking a strike that becomes front-page news.
“Newsies” draws inspiration from the real-life “Newsboys Strike of 1899” in New York, a pivotal event that reshaped child labor compensation. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, this Broadway adaptation elevates the story. Recognized as one of Disney’s finest stage productions, the musical was filmed, released in theaters, and is now available for streaming.
7. The Bridges of Madison County (2014)
Romance is a timeless theme on Broadway, and “The Bridges of Madison County” delivers it with a compelling twist. The story centers on Francesca, an Iowa housewife devoted to her family but yearning for more. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Robert, a rugged National Geographic photographer, reigniting passions from her past. Their whirlwind four-day affair takes audiences on an emotional journey, leaving them captivated and questioning Francesca’s choices.
Based on Robert James Waller’s novel, “The Bridges of Madison County” is masterfully adapted by Marsha Norman. Jason Robert Brown’s enchanting score earned him the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score. This underrated gem combines a gripping narrative with a poignant love story, making it a standout in the world of musical theater.
6. American Idiot (2009)
“American Idiot” delves into the challenges faced by everyday individuals in a post-9/11 America. The musical follows three men from a mundane hometown as they pursue different paths to fulfillment. With a soundtrack by Green Day, the story explores the lives of Michael, who embraces family life, Johnny, who succumbs to addiction, and Tunny, who enlists in the military and is deployed overseas.
The musical “American Idiot” expands on the narratives from Green Day’s iconic punk rock album of the same name. The band contributed to the music, with lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, who also collaborated with Michael Mayer on the script. Despite its ties to Green Day, the musical’s profound themes and messages often go unnoticed.
5. Assassins (2004)
The timing of a Broadway production’s release can significantly impact its reception. “Assassins,” which debuted in 2004, faced challenges due to its politically charged themes, coming too soon after the 9/11 attacks. Despite its controversial timing, the musical’s exceptional quality and craftsmanship remain undeniable.
As the title implies, “Assassins” focuses on individuals who attempted or succeeded in assassinating U.S. presidents. The cast includes historical figures like John Hinckley, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, and John Wilkes Booth, who share their motivations for their actions while singing the anthem “Everybody’s Got the Right…”.
The musical’s concept was conceived by Charles Gilbert, with Stephen Sondheim composing the score. Aware of the sensitive subject matter, Sondheim and the production team expected public criticism but stood firm in their vision. Despite winning five Tony Awards, the show’s polarizing reception impacted its widespread appeal.
4. Finian’s Rainbow (1995)
Some musicals are timeless, and “Finian’s Rainbow” is one of them, having been revived on Broadway four times. The story follows Finian, an elderly man who journeys to the American South to hide a pot of gold. Pursuing him is Ogg, a leprechaun desperate to reclaim his treasure before he loses his magical essence. The plot thickens when a corrupt senator discovers the gold and schemes to seize it for himself.
Based on a book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, with music by Burton Lane, “Finian’s Rainbow” is a theatrical gem. While the film adaptation is better known, the stage version is a masterpiece, earning nominations with every Broadway revival. Despite its artistic merit, the musical remains underappreciated, a fact that’s unfortunate given its captivating story and universal appeal.
3. Little Me (1962)
“Little Me” offers a unique twist with its semi-autobiographical structure, inspired by Patrick Dennis’s novel, Little Me: The Intimate Memoirs of that Great Star Stage, Screen, and Television/Belle Poitrine. The musical is a whirlwind of energy and humor, divided into three acts that chronicle Belle Poitrine’s life as she collaborates with Patrick Dennis to pen her memoir. Through her story, audiences witness her humorous relationships, multiple marriages, and her journey to stardom and wealth.
Following its Broadway debut, “Little Me” was revived twice, yet it remains underappreciated among the great musicals of its era. Despite this, it offers a delightful and humorous take on the everyday struggles we face in an unpredictable world.
2. Wonderful Town (1953)
“Wonderful Town” is a Broadway treasure that deserves more recognition. Premiering in 1953, the musical follows the lives of two sisters, Ruth and Eileen Sherwood, as they navigate their dreams and challenges in New York’s Greenwich Village. While striving for success, they often find themselves longing for the simplicity of their hometown, as expressed in the nostalgic song, “Why, oh, why, oh, did I ever leave Ohio?”
Featuring a compelling script by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov, along with Leonard Bernstein’s captivating music, “Wonderful Town” celebrates the vibrant spirit of New York. This musical is a must-watch, blending comedy and music to create a story that resonates with every emotion.
1. Chess (1988)
Chess often symbolizes strategy and conflict, and the Broadway musical “Chess” brings these themes to life. The story revolves around a high-stakes chess match between American and Russian grandmasters, who also compete for the affection of one woman. The chessboard becomes a metaphor for the political maneuvering of the Cold War era.
“Chess” remains relatively unknown in the U.S. due to significant changes made before its Broadway debut. While it enjoyed a successful three-year run in London’s West End, where Murray Head’s “One Night in Bangkok” became a chart-topping hit, the Broadway version, revised by Richard Nelson, struggled and closed after just two months. Despite its short-lived U.S. run, “Chess” is widely regarded as one of the most underrated and brilliant musicals ever created.
