Oh, and don’t even get us started on the bottle dance! We could watch that all day. Fiddler on the Roof is not usually the first musical to cross people’s minds when they think of joy, but for me? The story’s focus on a Russian family that relies on faith, religion, and community during a time of adversity is the very definition of remaining loyal to and celebrating oneself. Once I finished rewatching this film, I was singing all the lyrics in my sleep and undoubtedly picked up a few dance moves that I cannot wait to test out at the next Bar Mitzvah I attend; nothing excites me more than some quality Klezmer music. The Music Man
I am concerned that I will never be able to get the lyrics, “Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little. Cheep, cheep, cheep, talk a lot, pick 
a little more,” out of my head. “Pick a Little, Talk a Little” is one of the many earworms from the Broadway classic, “The Music Man,” and while this is a beloved piece of theater, I have a small problem with it: the entire plot. The story is about a traveling salesman who scams an entire community out of their money, yet ultimately wins the affection of a beautiful girl. Instead of explaining why I find this musical outdated, I would just like to say I have never felt more like those two old men — Statler and Waldorf — from The Muppets than when I was sitting on my couch, voicing my commentary about the film out loud. Don’t get me wrong, I find the music to be catchy and the dancing to be joyful, but I do not believe the story has held up over the years.
Sweeney Todd
Am I a horrible person if I find this musical theater movie hilarious? Telling the tale of a vengeful barber who murders his customers and asks 
a woman to bake them into meat pies, no musical does dark humor better than this one. Everything about the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street film adaptation — the gothic costumes, tired scenery, and lifeless makeup — is wonderfully gloomy due to Tim Burton’s direction. While the presentation is as lifeless as Sweeney Todd’s victims, the music’s complex composition is mesmerizing and witty. From romantic ballads to speculating how different people might taste, I struggled to differentiate whether I was crying tears of sadness or joy, but was more than okay with this confusion.
Cabaret
The cinematography in this musical theater movie is impeccable. Every time I watch this film adaptation, I always notice something new. 
Utilizing obscure angles, each reveal in this film is more suspenseful and gut-wrenching than any stage adaptation I have seen. Despite being almost 50 years old and set in 1931, Cabaret subtly challenges political fanaticism and anti-Semitism in a way that is still relevant today. Aside from its commentary, I cannot help but be spellbound by the show’s bold score and genuine performances.
Hairspray
Right before I reached “Hairspray,” morale was low. The romanticized stay-at-home experience of not wearing jeans or running to some sort 
of meeting became stale. I needed something alive to feed my half-dead, quarantined soul. Yet when I heard “Good Morning Baltimore,” all I wanted to do was pop, lock, and rock. At least, that’s what Tracy Turnblad inspired me to do. Hairspray’s story of perseverance in the face of discrimination — whether that be weight or racial — remains relevant, despite being set during the 1960s, while providing an deniably infectious energy that revitalized my dejected spirits.
Between the wild dancing, lush harmonies, and beautiful costumes, this movie provided an escape and transported me to a place bursting with vitality. I am not ashamed to admit that this movie motivated me to get off the couch to jump around my house and belt on the top of my lungs like no one was watching — even though my entire family was home. I may have also busted a rib when “Welcome to the 60’s” played, but I would prefer not to talk about the whole situation.
If this list did not help you decide on what to watch next, I hope it at least made you smile! Please take care, and like always, happy quarantine.
I hope you don’t do Music Man because Goodman just did it. Thumbs up for a production of Fiddler, and maybe even Hairspray and Cabaret, but Sweeney Todd for sure, because it’s the only one of the whole group I never saw and have wanted to ever since it came and went. Maybe Fiddler first to bring in the crowds, but Sweeney Todd next!
We do love all of these shows! We are looking forward to when Broadway opens back up so we can see The Music Man with Sutton Foster and Hugh Jackman. And Fiddler on the Roof is a definite classic. One that would be so much fun to do. Sweeney Todd is also a brilliant show. A show that allows your creative mind to explore new options in our to produce it.
Bindy. Thats great but its time to do a new show!!
Where do you go to watch these? Netflix?
I watched all of these on Amazon Prime Video. Enjoy!
-Sasha
You missed the classics! What about “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”, or “Oklahoma”, or “Phantom of the Opera”, or every one of the imortal Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. Is there anyuthing more fun than “Pirates of Penzance orThe Mikado, or Pinafore”? These wonderful G&S operas have lasted for more than five generations and are still fresh and insightful and funny.
I have not rewatched these classics yet, but will add them to my list! Thank you for the recommendations. Please stay safe!
– Sasha
I love these musicals That’s why I joined Music Theater Works. When I listen to the Broadway station on Sirius XM, and half the time I’ve never heard of some of the musicals, but when they play music from the “oldies”, I love it. However, Sweeney Todd is a little too dark for me. When I saw the original production in Chicago years ago, it bothered me. I saw the film with Angela Lansbury. She’s great, but I wouldn’t see it again. Sorry about Billy Elliott being postponed. I loved that show. Looking forward to whatever you can present at Music Theater.
We love Broadway on Sirius XM as well. Especially when they play things that you normally don’t get to hear anymore unless you have the album. We are sad we weren’t able to produce Billy Elliot this season as well, but looking forward to having apart of our 2021 season. We definitely hope to have you with us soon. Stay well and safe!
Hello
If you’re so enthused about musicals, DO NOT have Oklahoma, Carousel or other R & H shows
Those shows have been beaten to death (at least in the Chicago area).
Why not some new blood such as The Pajama Game, Bells Are Ringing and Fiddler On the Roof.
Thanks for reading.
You are very welcome! And thank you for the show suggestions. We love all of them.
Cabaret? Yes, brilliant cinematography, but it lost me. The original had Cliff, an American not yet appreciating what was going on in Europe from across the ocean, and Sally, English, who had to be a lot more aware of it than Cliff. I never saw much talent in Liza and can’t imagine she’d have gotten much work if she hadn’t been Judy’s daughter. The movie made Sally American, probably because Liza couldn’t play an English character, and after changing Cliff’s name to Brian, made him English, and by being English had to be more aware of what was going on in Europe than Cliff. In short, the story made a lot more sense to me with Sally English and Cliff American.
A good Cliff could tear your heart out with “Why Should I Wake Up?” when you know Sally couldn’t stay with anyone. That was cut from the movie.
And “Maybe This Time” is a good song, but Sally would never have its message on her mind. I can’t stand when it gets imposed on a stage production.
I saw the original tour and later faithful productions, and I’ve had the honor of playing in the pit for several faithful productions. I’ve also seen stage directors try to bring aspects of the movie into their productions. That didn’t work for me. I’m ready to see the Real Thing again.