11 Musicals Broadway Should Revive Immediately
1. Evita
President-elect Donald Trump would possible be delighted if Evita obtained one other Broadway revival: It’s his favorite musical, a truth that’s laborious to not learn into. Evita is an fascinating litmus take a look at — whether or not you assume it’s in the end favorable to the Peróns or an unequivocal takedown of their faux-populist, self-promotional techniques relies upon largely on the beliefs you deliver to it. A 2017 revival can be, on the very least, a dialog starter.
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2. Assassins
“Every at times the nation goes somewhat improper.” Assassins doesn’t glorify its titular killers (or would-be killers) in exposing their motivations; it’s truly a searing indictment of American mythology and the restrictions of the American dream. Assassins is usually bleak and painful, nevertheless it’s an enchanting exploration of the righteous anger and despair of those that really feel marginalized.
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three. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
While the unique run of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson failed to search out its viewers, Broadway would possible be much more welcoming to it now. Unlike Hamilton, it’s a way more scathing have a look at its central determine. Both reveals do deal with the concept of legacy, though this one suggests that every one Americans are complicit within the subjugation of marginalized folks within the identify of greed and entitlement.
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four. Cabaret
Yes, Cabaret was simply revived, however there’s at all times room for an additional interpretation of the present, which depicts the seedy, hedonistic world of 1930s Berlin on the finish of the Weimar Republic. With a now fixed debate over the rise of worldwide nationalism and fascism, Cabaret is a reminder to remain vigilant, and of how rapidly issues can change.
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5. Urinetown
With a title like Urinetown, you is likely to be anticipating frivolity. And sure, Urinetown may be very humorous, and it does concern itself with peeing. But it’s additionally an astute political satire that takes place in a dystopian future the place water is scarce. It reveals how authorities corruption and company greed work collectively to subjugate the decrease class. But, like, in a enjoyable approach.
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6. Parade
Parade relies on the true story of Jewish manufacturing unit supervisor Leo Frank, who was placed on trial in 1913 for the rape and homicide of a 13-year-old woman. Parade doesn’t draw back from depicting the anti-Semitism that led to Frank’s conviction and eventual lynching. It’s a robust, painful piece that serves as a stark reminder of how bigotry complicates the pursuit of justice, a theme that continues to be on the forefront of many individuals’s minds in 2017.
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7. American Psycho
Yes, already. American Psycho didn’t get its due on Broadway. That’s a pity, particularly given how acceptable it feels within the present local weather. Patrick’s bloody rampage is proven because the pure development of his greed and obsession with standing. He additionally name-checks his hero, Donald Trump, a number of occasions. So there’s that.
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eight. Ragtime
Perhaps essentially the most heartbreaking factor about Ragtime’s stirring Act 1 nearer “Till We Reach That Day” is that we’ve nonetheless obtained an extended option to go. The musical definitely depicts a much less advanced model of the nation, however its themes of racial and spiritual prejudice stay resonant. Ragtime can also be worthwhile for anybody excited by resistance, because it grapples with the other ways oppressed folks combat again in opposition to tyranny.
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9. Allegiance
Allegiance, which closed in early 2016, has been gaining traction with its launch in film theaters — and for its uncomfortably resonant material. Given that Japanese internment camps have been cited as a precedent for a nationwide Muslim registry, Allegiance, which realistically portrays life within the camps, seems like some much-needed training.
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10. American Idiot
Another musical that Donald Trump loved, American Idiot arrived on Broadway at a clumsy time. It’s very a lot a protest musical in opposition to George W. Bush, nevertheless it debuted after Obama was in workplace. And it is likely to be price giving it one other shot now. While a lot of its considerations really feel very a lot of the early 2000s, its themes of disillusionment with the federal government and the media are fairly rattling well timed.
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11. Rent
There has been some backlash over Rent lately, and far of it’s truthful. These characters are type of pains in the ass. And but, Rent is a musical about self-expression and protest by artwork. Even if among the artwork they find yourself producing is lower than stellar — “Your Eyes” involves thoughts — their dedication to it’s admirable. And Rent can also be a celebration of queer id, which we are able to at all times use extra of.
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