March 31, 2022
Must-Watch Musicals
It’s officially spring, and what better way to welcome the promise of sunnier days than with music and dancing? We leave you with some of our favorite musicals that will surely put you in that bright, spring mood!
In the Heights is a vibrant musical set in the pan-Latino barrio of Washington Heights, Manhattan. Our main lead, Usnavi, runs his bodega—infamous for its delicious café con leche—while dreaming of the Dominican Republic. He loves Washington Heights, but his eyes are set on returning to the warm Caribbean nation of his ancestors. Usnavi is not the only one aspiring. His friends in the barrio are striving fashion designers, undocumented students with hopes, small business owners, and young people who carry their family’s dreams. The cast raps and sings about gentrification, identity, love, and so much more. Though rents are rising in Washington Heights, the movie’s optimism pours through its breakout song “Paciencia y Fe. Patience and Faith.” In the Heights celebrates, without shame, an American tomorrow that can still hold the promise of something better. Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton), this movie will not disappoint in either entertainment or heart. Catch In the Heights on HBOmax.
Tick Tick…Boom! is a homage and celebration of Jonathan Larson, the late Broadway composer who wrote Rent. The movie, based on Larson’s autobiographical rock-monologue of the same name, follows an artist’s passion and anxiety as he “tries to make it” in New York City. Larson, whose looming 30th birthday haunts his waking hours, is busy with his musical’s first production. This could be his chance to be noticed by a Broadway producer with a big check who could change his life. Meanwhile, he has a girlfriend whose calls he hasn’t returned, he can’t pay his bills, and the country is being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. Tick Tick…Boom! has the elements of an engrossing memoir, but with all the charm and enchantment of a musical. If you didn’t know Jonathan Larson’s life before, you’ll be glad to experience it. And for all you theater nerds out there, this one’s for you. Stream Tick Tick…Boom! on Netflix.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga: Are you in the “I hate Will Ferrell” camp? I’m not, but I’ve talked to a lot of people who refuse to see Eurovision Song Contest because they can’t stand the former Saturday Night Live comedian’s movies. Tragically, these people are missing out on one of the funniest feel-good films released during the pandemic. Eurovision Song Contest tells the story of Fire Saga, an Icelandic singing duo made up of Lars (Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams), who perform regularly at a tavern in their hometown of Húsavik. While the two are busy satisfying bar patrons who hilariously demand that they sing a jaunty, slightly risqué tune called “Ja Ja Ding Dong” at least every other number, they dream of entering the Eurovision Song Contest. Like the soccer World Cup, America has largely ignored this American-Idol-style contest, despite its international popularity. It features singers and bands from across the European Union, the more outlandish, the better. While the residents of Húsavik have their doubts, Lars and Sigrit are determined to try for one of Iceland’s spots in the contest—especially since Sigrit feels that the elusive “Speorg note,” a gorgeous note that can only be sung when you’re being your truest self—is within her reach. Things go well during their first number in the opening rounds, until a hamster-wheel prop Lars is running in falls from its cables, sending him sprawling across the stage and nearly strangling Sigrit when it catches on her scarf. They’re the laughingstock of the EU, but then, a miracle happens…. Eurovision Song Contest:The Story of Fire Saga was just what I needed at the start of the pandemic—it made me laugh, it tugged my heartstrings, and it had me happily singing along on my couch. If you like your musicals with a side of ridiculousness, be sure to catch this fun little film. And I dare you not to join in when the contestants, featuring several real-life Eurovision favorites, launch into a group “Song-Along.” Now streaming on Netflix.