Musicals can often be a great way to relieve stress or to understand a new aspect of the world. Intertwining acting with music is, in my opinion, a brilliant way to tell a story, letting the characters emote in a way they never could through dialogue. These are some of my favorite musicals that all have either movies, live films or cast recordings.

‘Les Misérables’

“Les Misérables” is considered one of the most famous musicals of all time. With all of the dialogue in the show set to music, it is somewhat operatically sung through. Although some may find the vocalization of the lines in the show somewhat irritable, once you get past the first 15 minutes of musical speaking, the score lends itself strongly to the intense and emotional events the characters are going through. “Les Misérables” follows the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who battles his way through poverty and a harsh criminal record to overcome obstacles. However, Valjean never takes a shortcut to success, he redeems himself through personal sacrifice and kindness. Set in post-French Revolution Paris, “Les Misérables” develops and builds masterfully and epicly. There are numerous cast recordings available to listen to, including the “Original Broadway Cast” recording and the “Original London Cast” recording. My favorite soundtrack of “Les Misérables” to listen to, however, is the “10th Anniversary Concert Cast” recording. There are also multiple ways to watch “Les Misérables” online, probably the easiest being the 2012 film starring Hugh Jackman. However, my recommendation would be to watch the 25th anniversary production which was filmed live in 2010, and is available to rent on Amazon for $3.99, or free with a BroadwayHD subscription.

“Les Misérables”: ★★★★★

‘The Phantom of the Opera’

“The Phantom of the Opera” is the longest running Broadway show of all time, having now racked up over 13,000 performances. “Phantom” has a distinctly operatic soundtrack, but the score ties in many pop-rock aspects, including electric guitar, to make the show feel eccentric and contemporary. The show follows Christine Daaé, who has recently been promoted to the star of an opera house. Meanwhile, a Phantom of said opera house has been obsessing over and vocally training her. From the soft lows and angelic highs of the Phantom’s range, to Christine’s utterly astonishing high soprano notes, “The Phantom of the Opera” is compelling through the musical performances, not just the acting. Although there is a 2004 movie of “Phantom,” I find this adaptation to be extremely subpar. My recommendation would be to watch the 25th anniversary live production, filmed in 2012 starring Sierra Boggess as Christine and Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom. The two paired together are both haunting and enchanting, drawing the audience closer, while also portraying the extreme complications in their relationship. This production is available to rent on Amazon for $3.99. As far as cast recordings go, I would also recommend the 25th anniversary cast recording over the Original London Cast or the film soundtrack, as I find both the acting and vocal quality better in the more recent anniversary version.

“Phantom of the Opera”: ★★★☆☆

‘West Side Story’

“West Side Story” is one of the most creative and compelling reimaginations of the “Romeo and Juliet” story. “West Side Story” modernizes the classic Shakespearean tragedy by shaping the famous feud between the Montegues and the Capulets as a rivalry between two gangs, a group of white men called the Jets, and a group of Puerto Rican men called the Sharks. “West Side Story” uses extensive dance and magical orchestrations to illustrate both the euphoria of romance and the atrocities that racism and xenophobia create. Set in 1950s New York City, “West Side Story” feels like a vintage period piece, giving us a glance into the world 70 years ago. However, this show feels relevant and important to today’s society as well. “West Side Story” tells a story about racial violence and bigotry. From threats, fights and even murder, the events in this movie feel gritty and realistic. Maria’s final monologue in the show feels like one every person alive today needs to hear. It really opened my eyes to some of the horrors that exist in our real world. I am most familiar with the soundtrack to the 1961 film, but the Original Cast recording is also stellar. The 1961 film is available to watch on Amazon Video for just $2.99, and is an extremely satisfying adaptation from the stage.

“West Side Story”: ★★★★☆

‘Moulin Rouge!’

“Moulin Rouge!” has opened on Broadway pretty recently, just having opened July 25, 2019. The story of “Moulin Rouge” was created long before the Broadway production came out, with various adaptations dating back to the 1800s. The story follows a romantic and starry-eyed writer named Christian, who falls in love with Satine, a main dancer at the local nightclub called Moulin Rouge. The show is complex, energetic and tragic, with bright colors and dark undertones. What I find so interesting and unique about this film and musical is that it uses extravagance and pop culture to tell the story. The soundtrack combines music from all around the pop culture spectrum to create a fantastical and romantic story. The recent Broadway musical updates the music of the 2001 film, adding new music to tell the same story. The craftsmanship of this show is a wonder to behold, using contemporary, top 40s music to tell a largely entertaining, yet often tragic story. There are two “Moulin Rouge” films, one made in 1952 and the other made in 2001. “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) is available to rent on Amazon for $3.99, and the Original Broadway Cast recording available to purchase or stream on major streaming platforms.

“Moulin Rouge!”: ★★★★☆

‘Dreamgirls’

“Dreamgirls” tells the story of a female singing trio as they rise to the top of the charts and have to face each other’s egos, love affairs as well as the hardships of racism and fame. From narcissism to cheating, “Dreamgirls” crafts its characters to be dynamic –– being both extremely aggravating at moments, but heartbreaking and sympathetic at others. I find the questionable morals and choices of all the protagonists compelling. The show uses music to tell its story effectively. With powerful belting to heartfelt head voice, iconic songs like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and “Listen” give us deep and moving insights into the struggles of these characters. The 2006 film starring Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé is the production I am most familiar with, and is available on Amazon for $2.99. However, if you are looking to listen to the soundtrack, both the film soundtrack and the Original Broadway Casting recording are phenomenal and well worth your time.

“Dreamgirls”: ★★★★☆