8 Broadway Musicals That Took the Theatre World by Storm

Broadway is the home of musical theatre, where some of the most iconic and innovative shows have been born and thrived. From classic to contemporary, from comedy to tragedy, from romance to revolution, Broadway musicals have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. Here are eight Broadway musicals that took the theatre world by storm with their originality, popularity, and impact.

1. Hamilton

Perhaps the most influential musical of the 21st century, Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of America, through a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and show tunes. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton debuted on Broadway in 2015 and became a global phenomenon, winning 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Pulitzer Prize.

2. Wicked

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the friendship and rivalry between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. With a score by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked premiered on Broadway in 2003 and has since become one of the longest-running and highest-grossing musicals of all time.

3. The Lion King

Inspired by the Disney animated film, The Lion King is a musical adaptation of the epic tale of Simba, a young lion who must reclaim his rightful place as the king of the Pride Lands. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997 and has been running ever since, becoming the highest-grossing musical in history.

4. The Book of Mormon

A satirical musical comedy by the creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon follows two Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to convert the locals, but face challenges such as poverty, violence, and AIDS. With a score by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon debuted on Broadway in 2011 and won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

5. Les Misérables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables is a musical drama that depicts the lives of various characters in 19th-century France, during a time of social unrest and revolution. With music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Alain Boublil and Herbert Kretzmer, Les Misérables premiered on Broadway in 1987 and ran for 16 years, becoming one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time. Les Misérables is a sweeping and emotional musical that features memorable songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More.”

6. Rent

Inspired by the opera La Bohème, Rent is a musical that follows a group of young artists and bohemians in New York City, who struggle with issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, and homelessness. With music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, Rent opened on Broadway in 1996 and ran for 12 years, winning four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Rent is a groundbreaking and influential musical that introduced rock music, diverse casting, and social commentary to the Broadway stage.

7. The Phantom of the Opera

Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera is a musical that tells the story of a mysterious and disfigured musical genius, who haunts the Paris Opera House and falls in love with a young soprano. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, The Phantom of the Opera debuted on Broadway in 1988 and is still running today, making it the longest-running musical in Broadway history.

8. Hadestown

Based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, Hadestown is a musical that reimagines the ancient tale as a folk opera set in a post-apocalyptic world. With music, lyrics, and a book by Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown premiered on Broadway in 2019 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Hadestown is a unique and innovative musical that blends genres such as jazz, blues, and Americana and explores themes such as love, fate, and resistance.