By: Sabrina Y.

I could barely sit still as the lights dimmed and the overture music (which I had heard countless times before) played. Then, the red velvet curtain was pulled back and the magic began. Before I was finally able to see this show, I had listened to the soundtrack of The Addams Family the musical on repeat. I knew the story, I knew the songs, I felt the emotions, but watching it on stage was a completely different experience because it transformed me into their world. I felt like I was a part of their story they were telling through song and dance.



My musical obsession didn't start when I was very young, but it happened two years ago when I was in eighth grade. I went to go see my friend perform in a local community theater production of The Little Mermaid. From start to finish I was smiling, and even after the show I couldn't stop smiling. I was simply amazed by the emotions these young actors and actresses portrayed, and although I already knew what would happen because I watched the movie countless times, I was constantly thinking to myself, "what's going to happen next!" And, when the musical was finished I found myself humming the catchy songs over and over and over. I didn't realize it then, but this was the start of my ever growing love for musicals, a love that would soon develop into a dedicated passion.




But, why are musicals so great? The answer could be different for everyone. However, what is clear is that musicals hold power to them; The way they can hook in the audience, keep them interested up until the final blackout of the show. It's quite a unique sensation, one that's hard to describe. Maybe it's the powerful ballads you love, maybe it's the spontaneous dance breaks, maybe it's the story being told, or maybe it's the fact that you can relate to the character's emotions that makes a musical so remarkable.

            For me, musicals hold power because they are like people: there's more than meets the eye. In the case of The Addams Family, I started getting hooked in to it because of the humor expressed in the songs. However, if you listen closely and take away the humor, there are some important values hidden in the songs. Some of these lessons include: family values, it's okay to be different, and the repercussions of keeping secrets.

If you think you're not a musical person, that's fine, but I still highly recommend seeing a show for yourself just to experience the thrill of seeing a live performance. Plus, I believe there is a musical for everyone, and if there's not, there soon will be. For example, a new show that just came to Broadway, Hamilton, which tells the incredible story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, through rap and hip hop. Or maybe you would prefer to see a dark comedy that showcases actors who can sing in more of an operatic style. Well, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder would be the right show for you! Or possibly you would like to see a classic childhood story come to life, then Matilda the Musical is right for you. Also, who doesn't love Disney? There's the highly acclaimed The Lion King, the ever so charming Mary Poppins, the newest of the Disney musicals, Aladdin, and so much more! The possibilities of musicals are endless!

What's your favorite musical? Why do you love it so much? Please feel free to comment below! We'd love to hear what you have to say!

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