If you are like me, you are missing live theater terribly at this time. I turn to theater to raise my spirits and as an escape. We could certainly use those things in our world today. Fortunately, there are many live musicals that you can watch on various streaming platforms. Here are my suggestions for filmed musicals to watch for a little joy infusion.
- Shrek the Musical
- Starring: Brian D’Arcy James, Sutton Foster, Daniel Breaker
- Plot: Based on the 2001 film of the same name, Shrek is about an ogre who is kicked out of the swamp he calls home. In order to save his home, he goes on a quest on which he meets a donkey, a dragon, and a princess.
- Why you should watch: This show features a score full of fun, catchy songs, and nearly all of your favorite fairy tale characters.
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Newsies
- Starring: Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Ben Fankhauser, Andrew Keenan-Bolger
- Plot: Disney reunited several members of the original Broadway cast of Newsies to film the musical on stage at the Pantages Theater in late 2016. The show centers around Jack Kelly, who leads other newsies in a strike in 1899 New York when several publishers raise the price of “papes.”
- Why you should watch: There is incredible dancing and lots of fun New York accents in this one.
- Where to Watch: Disney+
- She Loves Me
- Starring: Laura Benanti, Zachary Levi, Jane Krakowski
- Plot: The 2016 Roundabout revival of the 1963 musical She Loves Me was live streamed at the very end of its run, and it became the first ever show to do so. The show is based on the same play that inspired You’ve Got Mail. It’s about Amalia and Georg, two coworkers at a parfumerie, who hate each other, but are unknowingly writing each other anonymous love letters.
- Why to watch: This is one of those shows that you can’t help but smile while watching. Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi are play off each other so well are are hilarious and delightful together.
- Where to Watch: BroadwayHD
- Kinky Boots
- Starring: Killian Donnelly, Matt Henry, and Natalie McQueen
- Plot: Filmed live in November 2018 in London, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, a shoemaker from Northampton, England. He ends up saving his struggling shoe factory by starting a line of boots inspired by (and designed with) Lola, a fabulous drag queen from London.
- Why you should watch: I saw the show on Broadway 6 or 7 times, and it never failed to “raise me up.” It is both funny and heartwarming, and it includes a great message about acceptance.
- Where to Watch: BroadwayHD
Stay well, and happy streaming!
Bubbling up with Helena 