7 Funny and Uplifting Musicals to Get You Through Quarantine
Lora Korpar
Times are definitely hard right now for all of us self-isolating during this pandemic. Finding something that makes you smile – no matter what piece of entertainment it might be – is crucial at a time like this.
Lots of Broadway musicals nowadays can be real tear-jerkers. Everybody knows that a happy Act 1 usually means a soul-crushing Act 2.
While those musicals are amazing and usually the emotional rollercoaster they put you through is worth it in the end, sometimes we just need something uplifting, comedic, and/or light-hearted to get you through tough times.
So, here are seven musicals guaranteed to make you smile.
“Newsies”
Everyone loves a classic underdog story!
Based on the Newsboys Strike of 1899, this musical follows the story of Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys – young boys who sell newspapers on the street – as they protest Joseph Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers.
Even if everything else was terrible, the musical would still be worth a watch just for the insane dance numbers. But the music and the story are also incredibly enjoyable to watch.
It’s impossible for songs like “Seize the Day” to not put a smile on your face.
“Legally Blonde”
This musical is a girl-power classic.
Based on the classic movie, this musical tells the story of Elle Woods, a blonde sorority girl who follows her ex to Harvard but ends up falling in love with law instead.
This is a must-watch for any woman who has ever felt put down or belittled. It teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of perseverance and believing in yourself while also having some of the catchiest songs ever.
“Hairspray”
While “Hairspray” tackles some more serious issues such as racism and body image issues, it’s ultimately feel-good and fun throughout.
This musical is about a high schooler named Tracy who just wants to dance on her favorite TV show but is shunned by them due to her weight. She then involves herself in a campaign not just to get herself on the show, but to racially integrate the show too, something that is not so easy in 1960s America.
The songs are classics and the dancing is phenomenal. There’s nothing like a story about acceptance and love to warm your heart.
“The Book of Mormon”
This musical might not be the most family-friendly, but I can guarantee you’ll be crying with laughter by the end.
Two Mormon missionaries by the names of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are the story’s “heroes” who get assigned to a mission in a village Uganda where the people are not thrilled about the idea of converting to Mormonism, to say the least.
If you’re easily offended, this is not the show for you. But for the rest of us, it’s genuinely hilarious and even has a message (buried under the mountains of jokes) about making your own path and not letting other people run your life.
“Mamma Mia”
A lot of people give “Mamma Mia” a bad reputation for not having a good storyline, but I completely reject that statement.
This ABBA jukebox musical finds creative ways to incorporate the iconic Swedish band’s music into its crazy plot.
This musical tells the story of Sophie, who is getting married and wants her father to give her away at the wedding. The only problem is she doesn’t know who her father is. After finding her mother’s diary, she realizes there are three candidates and invites all of them to her wedding.
There’s no way you can feel down after listening to ABBA’s music, which is why “Mamma Mia” is my go-to feel-good musical.
“Shrek the Musical”
Though at first, it might be a bit jarring to see your favorite animated ogre in a live-action musical, “Shrek the Musical” is highly entertaining and will definitely make you forget your stresses for a while.
Following the well-known story of Shrek trying to get his swamp back from Lord Farquaad and falling for Princess Fiona in the process, the on-stage version is just as magical and funny as the movie.
Also, the practical effects are really impressive and the songs are super catchy.
Any musical based on a Disney animated movie
Whether it be “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” or “Frozen,” these musicals were made to be feel-good family movies.
Watching a Disney musical is remembering your childhood nostalgia while also experiencing the story you love in a new light, such as with added songs or new scenes.