As theater lovers, we already face a certain amount of criticism for our cherished, sometimes cheesy, art form. Some of the backlash is certainly warranted, and musical lyrics can be more cringeworthy than intellectually stimulating – just take “This whole school / Humps my leg like a chihuahua” from “Mean Girls.” Still, art is allowed to just be entertaining sometimes. The Arts desk has selected our five favorite guilty pleasure musicals that might not be narrative masterpieces, but are definitely a fun time.
“21 Chump Street”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 2014 one-act musical, “21 Chump Street,” is not short of questionable lyrics. In the opening song, “What the Heck I Gotta Do,” the chorus literally sings “R-O-F-L-O-L!” However, the musical’s plot, which is based on an episode of “This American Life,” holds emotional weight. It follows an honors high school student who gets arrested for buying marijuana for a girl he has a crush on. Little did he know she was really an undercover cop trying to catch drug dealers. If you allow yourself to embrace Miranda’s cringeworthy songwriting, you’ll find that this show sincerely offers an interesting social commentary.
— Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor
“Death Note: The Musical”
The manga and anime of “Death Note” have been memed to no end, but its 2015 musical concept album is unironically electric. The story follows Light Yagami, a teenager who gains the power to kill people by merely writing their name in a notebook. He’s one of the most detestable characters I know, and is embodied here by Jeremy Jordan, one of Broadway’s most beloved tenors. Light’s soaring harmonies and sharp criticisms of the justice system in “Where is The Justice,” as well as his cat-and-mouse dynamic with world-renowned detective L as exemplified in “Stalemate,” are highlights of this period piece.
— Eleanor Jacobs, Editor-at-Large
“Head Over Heels”
While people have mixed opinions on jukebox musicals, the use of the Go-Go’s in “Head Over Heels” playfully showcases the musical’s fantasy plotline. The story was adapted from the 16th-century poem “Arcadia” and follows the daughters of a royal kingdom, Pamela and Philoclea, as they cope with the threat of a looming prophecy. Through catchy music and an engaging plot, I was awestruck when I first watched the musical. The fantastical elements and duality of the two sisters as they each discover romantic feelings for their friends continue to have a chokehold over me. Older siblings, queer people or those who enjoy watching cute romantic storylines unfold will love this musical full of whimsy.
— Ellie DaSilva, Staff Writer
“Shrek the Musical”
“Are you there, god? It’s me, Fionaaaaa!” “Shrek the Musical” bursts to life with the same irreverent humor and unexpected heart that make the original movie a classic. The stage adaptation follows Shrek and Donkey’s reluctant quest to save Princess Fiona and reclaim the swamp. With bold costumes and sharp humor, the musical celebrates the beauty of being different and the power of found family. It’s also full of earwormy numbers like “I Know It’s Today” that can scratch any itch in my brain. This musical might have a silly plot, but at its core, it’s a joyful celebration of being unapologetically yourself.
— Rhea Kohli, Staff Writer
“SpongeBob SquarePants”
It’s easy to be skeptical about a musical of a cartoon character with 18 songs written by 21 artists, John Legend and Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie among them. But somehow, this diverse musical group managed to create a no-skip soundtrack for SpongeBob SquarePants’ Broadway debut. Whether you listen to the rock-inspired “Bikini Bottom Boogie” or the “Poor Pirates” sea shanty, you’re bound to begin tapping your feet. The story of the famous sponge trying to save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption is sure to engage viewers, and Ethan Slater’s performance is unparalleled — if you’re not already familiar with his talent, this musical will make you one of his biggest defenders.
— Chantal Mann, Staff Writer
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