Whether we catch them on Broadway, in our theater, or on television, musicals are pure entertainment as well as escapism. While it may be funny in its own right how people can suddenly jump into the streets of New York, into jail cells, or into cornfields with a song, that's what makes a musical so wonderful—those few moments of suspended reality. So let's warm up our voices, put on our dancing shoes and enjoy our selection of the funniest must-see musicals!
1. Hairspray (Hairspray, 2007)
We go back to the sixties, where we find racial tensions, pop music and families that are not what they seem. We are in for a party with a message of tolerance and acceptance.
2. Funny Girl (1968)
Barbra Streisand shines in this musical, as does her voice, which is absolutely incredible. We may have seen this movie countless times, but we will watch it again. A true inspiration for any girl who has ever felt different from the crowd!
3. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
A big, dramatic musical filled with angst, fear, great love, death and passion.
4. Tommy (1975)
Based on British band The Who's greatest album, the musical tells the story of a deaf, dumb and blind boy who eventually regains his senses and becomes a spiritual leader. The eclectic cast includes names such as Roger Daltrey (lead singer of The Who), Ann-Margret, Tina Turner, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton and Elton John.
5. Chicago (2002)
The musical, set in 1924, tells the story of two women - one a vaudeville star in a nightclub, the other desperate for her job. Eventually, the two find themselves in a battle for their lives and in the media circus, their possible ways out of charges that call for the death penalty.
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6. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
This musical is definitely a chapter of its own in the repertoire of Hollywood musicals, if only for one reason - everything is original! Most musicals are based on the Broadway play, which was written specifically for the film. The story features many actors from silent films, and the song Singin' in the Rain has been sung since 1927.
7. The Blues Brothers (Brata Blues, 1980)
The story begins when Jake Blues (John Belushi) comes out of prison and learns that the church where he and his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) grew up will be demolished. In an effort to save her, the brothers reform their band and go on a "mission from God".
8. My Fair Lady (1964)
One of Audrey Hepburn's last films before she devoted herself to social activism and charity work, it is among her best. It tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a girl from a poor part of the city, who is taken in by Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) and thus proves his ability to teach real omics to anyone.
9. The Sound of Music (My Songs, My Dreams, 1965)
The musical tells the story of the Van Trapp family trying to escape the Nazi occupation of Austria. The film was a great financial success and even better critics, delighted audiences around the world and won eight Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress) and four more nominations.
10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Let's show off our fishnet stockings and pink rubber gloves… The Rocky Horror Picture Show is here. Based on the successful London musical Rocky Horror Show, the film quickly became a cult classic. It tells the story of a newly married couple who are forced to stop in an isolated area, in the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter's.
