Fans of musical theatre know that every show is a chance to fall in love with amazing characters and get swept away by thrilling stories. Most of us can instinctively sing along to classics like “The Producers,” “Les Misérables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” or even “Hamilton.” But let’s be real, it’s impossible to catch every Broadway show, and some fantastic productions can slip under the radar. This list dives deep into the archives to bring you some Broadway gems that deserve at least one viewing!
Here are the top 10 Broadway Musicals you’ve probably never heard of before.
Contact (2000)
Dance is one of the purest ways to express ourselves, and “Contact” is a musical that really understands this magic. This musical doesn’t have an original score or any spoken dialogue. Instead, it tells its story through a modern ballet set to a jukebox soundtrack. Created by Susan Stroman and John Weidman, the main idea of “Contact” is, well, “contact”—or the lack of it. The musical is divided into three parts: “Swinging,” “Did You Move,” and “Contact,” each telling stories through dance.
Stroman was inspired by a night out when she saw a captivating woman in a yellow dress. Whenever this woman danced, she drew everyone’s attention. This unique inspiration led to a musical that uses dance as its language, and the result is pretty amazing. But, “Contact” is quite progressive for a Broadway musical, which is both a good and bad thing. Either way, it was so good that it won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2000. This victory was a bit controversial since it had no live singing or original music.
Hands on a Hardbody (2013)
Can dreams come true on Broadway? Absolutely! And for all kinds of people with different backgrounds and interests. “Hands on a Hardbody” is all about the dreams of people who really want to own a car. This show features ten Texans who don’t have much money but are determined to win a brand-new red Nissan truck. Set under the blazing sun, the contestants have to keep at least one hand on the truck. In the end, only one person gets to drive away with it, and this test of strength and willpower drives the whole story.
This incredible show is based on a 1994 documentary about an endurance competition in Longview, Texas. In that competition, 24 people tried to keep their hands on a pickup truck for as long as possible without leaning or squatting. The Broadway version really brings this story to life with music by Amanda Green (“Bring It On: The Musical”) and a book by Dough Wright (“I Am My Own Wife”).
Newsies (2017)
“Extra, extra, read all about it!” Headlines shout the latest news in every city, and Disney’s “Newsies” tells the story of the boys who sell those newspapers. The story follows a group of orphaned newsboys in Lower Manhattan who clash with newspaper boss Joseph Pulitzer after he raises the price of his papers, sparking a strike that makes the headlines.
“Newsies” is closely based on the “Newsboys Strike of 1899” in New York, which led to big changes in how child laborers were paid. The Broadway musical enhances this story with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Felden. Now seen as one of Disney’s best musicals on Broadway, it was filmed, released in theaters, and is now available to stream.
The Bridges of Madison County (2014)
Romantic stories are a Broadway staple, and “The Bridges of Madison County” puts a unique spin on this theme. The show introduces Francesca, an Iowan housewife who loves her family but feels something is missing. In a story of forbidden love, Francesca meets Robert, a handsome National Geographic photographer who reminds her of her younger days. Their four-day affair takes the audience on an emotional ride, leaving them wondering what will happen after Robert leaves.
“The Bridges of Madison County” is based on a novel by Robert James Waller, but Marsha Norman’s adaptation turns it into something truly special. Jason Robert Brown’s music is so captivating that it won him the 2014 Tony Award for Best Score. This underrated musical hits all the right notes, from a powerful story to heartbreaking romance.
American Idiot (2009)
“American Idiot” highlights the struggles of ordinary people in a post-9/11 world. It follows three guys from a boring hometown. With music by Green Day, the musical tells how Michael, Tunney, and Johnny make different choices in their search for happiness. Michael starts a family, Johnny turns to drugs, and Tunney joins the army and goes overseas.
“American Idiot” started as an expansion of the stories from Green Day’s punk rock album of the same name. The band helped write the music, with lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong. Billie Joe also worked with Michael Mayer to write the musical’s book. Despite its connection to Green Day and its important themes, this musical is often overlooked.
Assassins (2004)
The success of any Broadway show depends on many things, and the release date can really affect how well it does. “Assassins,” which premiered in 2004, came out too soon after the 9/11 attacks. Its political themes didn’t sit well with audiences at the time, but that doesn’t take away from its quality.
As the name suggests, “Assassins” features people who tried to or successfully assassinated American presidents. The cast includes names like John Hinckley, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, and John Wilkes Booth. Together, they explain why they targeted presidents, chanting “Everybody’s Got the Right…”
Charles Gilbert came up with the original concept, and Stephen Sondheim wrote the music. Given the sensitive topic, Sondheim knew there might be backlash but remained unapologetic. While the musical won some awards, including five Tony Awards, mixed reviews hurt its popularity.
Finian’s Rainbow (1995)
The best musicals get revived again and again. “Finian’s Rainbow” is one of those musicals, having been revived on Broadway four times. The musical follows Finian, an old man who travels to the Southern U.S. to hide a pot of gold. Ogg, the gold’s original owner and a leprechaun who risks becoming human without it, is hot on Finian’s trail. The story gets even crazier when a corrupt U.S. Senator finds out about the gold and wants it for himself.
“Finian’s Rainbow” was based on a book by E.Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy, with music by Burton Lane. While the film version is more well-known, the musical is a masterpiece that has been nominated every time it was produced and revived on Broadway. Despite its quality, “Finian’s Rainbow” is often overlooked, which is a shame because everyone should see this story.
Chess (1988)
Chess is often used as a symbol of strategy and warfare. The Broadway musical “Chess” uses these ideas to tell its story. The musical is about a chess tournament between American and Russian grandmasters who are also fighting over the same woman. The “chess game” represents the manipulations of the Cold War by the Americans and Russians.
One reason “Chess” isn’t as well-known in the U.S. is because it was changed before it came to Broadway. In London’s West End, it was popular for three years after opening in 1984. It even featured Murray Head’s “One Night in Bangkok,” which became a mainstream hit. But when the musical was revised for Broadway with Richard Nelson’s book, it didn’t do as well, lasting only two months. Despite its struggles in the U.S., “Chess” remains one of the most underrated musicals ever.
Wonderful Town (1953)
“Wonderful Town” is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. This musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1953, is about two sisters living in New York’s Greenwich Village. Ruth and Eileen Sherwood want to make it big in the city, but things don’t go as planned. At times, they miss their simple life back home in Ohio and sing, “Why, oh, why, oh, did I ever leave Ohio?”
With a great story by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov and music by Leonard Bernstein, “Wonderful Town” shows a great love for New York. It’s a must-see because it combines comedy and music for every mood.
Little Me (1962)
“Little Me” takes a different approach with its loosely autobiographical structure. Based on Patrick Dennis’s novel Little Me: The Intimate Memoirs of that Great Star of Stage, Screen, and Television/Belle Poitrine, the musical is energetic and hilarious. Divided into three acts, the story follows Belle Poitrine as she writes her memoir with author Patrick Dennis. Belle shares her ups and downs, including her funny relationships, marriages, and rise to fame and fortune.
After its first Broadway run, “Little Me” was revived twice. While it’s not often mentioned among the great musicals, “Little Me” is a refreshing take on the everyday worries that fill our unpredictable lives.
Have you seen any of these musicals? Which one is your favorite? Leave your comment below!
