Ten Musicals to Watch When You Need a Pick Me Up

Kaitlyn Nash ’19 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Midterms may be over, but we are still deep in those midsemester blues. Nothing beats curling up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate (or a glass of wine, whichever you prefer) and watching a feel-good musical to help pick you up, and get you motivated to finish the last month or so of classes.
Emertainment Monthly rounded up the top ten musicals to watch when you’re feeling down in the dumps and need to get things done. So grab your cocoa (or other choice beverage), sit back, and enjoy an evening filled with happy endings and show-stopping numbers.

1. Seussical the Musical

This highly underrated musical gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling as you watch it. A literal Dr. Seuss book come to life, Seussical will transport you back to your childhood. This show encourages you to be kind, use your overflowing imagination, and believe that anything is possible; no matter your size or who you are, you are oh-so-very important.

2. Newsies

This wonderfully dance-heavy musical will get you up off your feet, twirling and leaping along. By the end, you will want to road-trip down to Santa Fe, become the king of New York, and make sure the world (and the journal, too) will know your name.

3. Mary Poppins

There is no better word to describe Mary Poppins than “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” Whether you are watching a stage production or the rendition featuring Julie Andrews, this musical will leave you wishing for the winds from the east.

4. Singin’ In The Rain

There is nothing like a good ol’ classic to lighten your mood. The catchy tunes, fun dance moves, and classic plot will get you dancing, singing, and feeling happy again.

5. Hairspray

Transport yourself back to the ’60s, when the attitudes were big but the hair was even bigger. This fun, swinging musical will get you up off your feet with classic, show-stopping numbers, while also addressing impactful social movements of the decade. Bonus: Zac Efron’s Link Larkin is a total dreamboat.

6. A Very Potter Musical

This one is for all the nerds out there. Starkid Production’s parody of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is totally awesome; the musical will make you nostalgic in all the right ways, and ready to get back to Hogwarts (or Pigfarts). Also, Darren Criss is in it— what more could you ask for?

7. Matilda

For everyone who has ever felt out of place, this is the musical for you. The inspiring story of a young bookworm will reignite your love for classic children’s tales. With catchy songs and a cast full of energetic kids, you will be transported into the world of Roald Dahl.

8. Mamma Mia!

Your mood is immediately lifted by ABBA music, no matter the occasion. This heartwarming tale, set in Greece, features the music of a Swedish pop group that will have you singing and dancing like you are young and sweet, and only seventeen.

9. Monty Python’s Spamalot

This classic comedy will have you roaring with laughter from the very start. Chock full of references from cult classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical adaptation will take you back to the knights of the round table (and those that go “NI!”), whom we love.

10. Legally Blonde

OMIGOD YOU GUYS! This musical is perfect for any college student fighting their way through the semester. Elle Woods’ empowering attitude toward getting into Harvard Law School will inspire in anyone the need to succeed.