West Side Story, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, made its Broadway debut in 1957 and took the world by storm with its modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set in the streets of New York City. The groundbreaking choreography by Jerome Robbins and memorable songs like “America” and “Somewhere” made it an instant classic.
2. The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera opened on Broadway in 1988 and became the longest-running musical in Broadway history. With its haunting music and iconic masked Phantom character, it set a new standard for grandeur and spectacle in musical theater.
3. Les Misérables
Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables premiered on Broadway in 1987 and became an international sensation with its powerful storytelling and stirring score. Songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More” continue to captivate audiences around the world.
4. Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton took Broadway by storm in 2015 with its hip-hop infused retelling of the life of Alexander Hamilton. The diverse cast and innovative storytelling redefined what a Broadway musical could be and won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
5. Rent
Jonathan Larson’s Rent premiered on Broadway in 1996 and became a cultural phenomenon with its portrayal of struggling artists in New York City’s East Village. The rock opera’s themes of love, loss, and acceptance resonated with audiences of all ages.
6. Wicked
Wicked, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, opened on Broadway in 2003 and told the untold story of the witches of Oz. With its powerful female leads and catchy songs like “Defying Gravity,” it became a modern classic and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
7. Chicago
Kander and Ebb’s Chicago originally premiered on Broadway in 1975 and was later revived in 1996, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. Its jazzy score and darkly comedic story of corruption and celebrity in 1920s Chicago have made it a Broadway staple.
8. The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997 and became an instant hit with its stunning visuals and beloved music by Elton John and Tim Rice. The innovative use of puppetry and African-inspired choreography brought the beloved animated film to life in a whole new way.
9. Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, opened on Broadway in 2016 and became a critical and commercial success. Its heartfelt story of teenage struggles and mental health issues resonated with audiences and won numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical.
10. Mamma Mia!
Featuring the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! premiered on Broadway in 2001 and became a global phenomenon with its feel-good story and infectious pop hits. Audiences couldn’t resist dancing in the aisles to songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
These iconic musicals have not only entertained audiences for decades but have also left a lasting impact on the world of Broadway, influencing generations of artists and changing the landscape of musical theater forever.
