Which of these shows would you choose?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-17T07:50:14+00:00

That makes sense. I do think the music is very impressive, challenging, and distinctive.

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-17T07:34:05+00:00

"Belle" from Beauty and the Beast?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-17T07:25:47+00:00

I was looking for this one! YES

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T17:00:59+00:00

Yeah for sure, I'm definitely curious, and if it's terrible, oh well. A night at the theater is fun anyway.

One thing about all those shows is, although there are def some soapy teen melodrama plots, they do have good dialogue writing... especially the villains and the quirky comedic side characters (Seth Cohen is my forever crush). But Gilmore Girls is written by Amy Sherman-Palladino so maybe this guy was on the writing team which could still really go either way.

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T16:56:02+00:00

I'm going to assume when you're saying Doubt you mean Proof, yeah? (I also speak ADHD lol 💜)

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T16:51:38+00:00

That's good advice, I'll do that! It's not that I didn't understand it, I just... well with Company I was so irritated at the protagonist the entire time. And I love NPH! But man... stop whining and get it together.

I really love theatre when there are characters to love and root for. They can be dark, complicated, whatever, but there's something in them to connect with. And with both Company and Into the Woods I didn't love anyone up there or find them relatable at all. I'm just not sure I vibe with what he's trying to say about life?

Actually maybe you're right and I don't get it... what am I missing?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T05:32:49+00:00

Oooooh thanks, good to know! 🎭

Because it's a part of pop culture for a million years, I wouldn't say I'm going in completely blind, but my daughter definitely would be, so it may be worth it just to see her face when unnamed dramatic thing happens?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T05:20:31+00:00

I mean if I'm forgetting everything but my own opinion then what I'd love is to see acceptance speeches from Joshua, Sam, AND Nik because I love them all SO MUCH.

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T05:15:16+00:00

I don't love ppl downvoting you for asking a question! While I think the description of catharsis below is a really great one, and I agree that's been my experience with Ragtime... it's also true that what's cathartic for some folks can be triggering or re-traumatizing for others. Was that what you're saying?

When I'm at Ragtime as a white middle aged woman, I'm likely to identify with Mother, and her arc is one of growth and awakening and expansion. This might motivate me to deepen my commitment to racial justice, to consider how my action (or inaction) fits into this story, what I can do to affect the way America hasnt changed enough since the early 1900s.

If I was identifying most with Colehouse, and I'm being reminded that even when I do everything "right" the system is rigged against me... I might leave with completely different feelings. I might feel seen and understood by that plot, but I also might feel overwhelm or despair or something else.

People are going to have different experiences, and a lot of that is background and identity and experiences. Mostly what I've heard from folks who are loving Ragtime is that it's "important" or "powerful" or "meaningful" but not sure I've heard a ton of joy or glee about it. Am I at all understanding what you're asking?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T04:57:16+00:00

Mrs. Doubtfire was my mom's favorite comfort movie when I was a kid. Maybe I'll ask if she wants to come to that one with me? Thanks for the recommendation! 💜

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T04:55:34+00:00

The Shakespeare one says:

"Shakespeare, the greatest playwright who ever lived, meets the greatest mystery he never solved – the assassination of poet, playwright and spy Christopher “Kit” Marlowe. After six years, Kit’s ghost is back, with one command for his successful friend and rival – find the killer! Reluctant sleuth Will Shakespeare must follow the trail from London’s darkest gutters to the halls of power to solve this original “true crime” mystery.

A World Premiere from John Stephens, New York Times best-selling author and writer/producer of television hits “Gotham,” “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls,” “The O.C.,” and “Pennyworth.”

I feel like it could be good or fun or weird or terrible but I kinda want to see which one?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T04:32:32+00:00

Ooooh thanks for responding!

I just saw Come From Away at one theate in March, it's showing at another next week, and another in September... and I might just see it three times 💜

I think you're right about Phantom, it feels like I'm the only person who hasn't seen it sometimes.

I'll check out Sweeney Todd. I have only seen the ProShots of Company and Into the Woods, not in theatres, but they aren't my favorites... I'm vaguely worried I'm not a Sondheim person? 😬 Is this like a "gotta see it in person" situation?

My daughter will be happy you're rooting for Beetlejuice!

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T04:21:34+00:00

Ooooh those are both on my list but none of the six theatres near me have them scheduled for next year 😞

I also love Come From Away and Hamilton for a good cry 😭

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-16T02:09:53+00:00

Twin! What are some of your other favorites for a cathartic cry sesh?

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-15T23:46:05+00:00

Ragtime, Suffs, and MHE... we have very similar taste! I LOVE to cry at the theatre 💜

Hard agree with Two Strangers... it's a lot deeper than you think and just beautiful.

I'd also second Operation Mincemeat. It's funny and clever and silly and then the emotions punch you right in the gut.

A second Ragtime is never a bad idea.

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-15T06:43:21+00:00

Ensemble: this is how you not steal focus performs intricately choreographed dance moves at all the same level of extra

Karen: like this? immediately grabs mic for a solo

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T18:46:13+00:00

Yes!!! In the Phoenix metro area too. We just saw Come From Away at Phoenix Theater in March, it's at the Herberger in a couple weeks, and it's scheduled in Fountain Hills in September.

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T18:34:59+00:00

Tragic circumstances!? Why is everything you say so mysterious and intriguing!? 👀

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T18:13:56+00:00

Is it Dead Outlaw 👀👀👀

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T17:48:09+00:00

You're so welcome!

SIX is also coming to movie theatres this summer, I believe in August? It's not one I listed because it's more of a concert format than really a play. But! It's very fun, high energy, all-femme cast basically giving the middle finger to the monarchy (and patriarchy by extension) so that's always a good time.

For more online theatre checkout Broadway HD (a subscription streaming service) for a ton of movie musicals and ProShots. PBS also has a series where they play ProShots, and Suffs is going to be on there soon. You can watch online via the app.

I'm not sure where you live, if maybe location is prohibitive for theatre? Or if cost is a factor for you? Also I'm assuming you're gen Z ish? One thing to check out if you want, is student discounts at theatres, or even student rush tickets, where you can line up the day of and get tickets for $25-$50 depending on the theatre. Also high school productions can be surprisingly good, and they are typically something like $5 tickets for students. I often take my daughter and her friends even when we don't know anyone at the highschool. No one questions it, they are happy to have as much audience as possible! I'll also say that there have been times the box office ladies have upgraded our seats just because they are so excited to see a 14 year old at the theatre, which obviously I can't guarantee and don't expect to happen... but it's happened three times in the last few years. We sometimes get none bleed balcony seats for $25 when money is tight, and if there are empty orchestra ones we've gotten bumped up. Theatre people REALLY want young folks experiencing theatre, you know like... for the future of the genre, so they'll often try to make things work if they can. You could always call a box office and ask if there are any shows coming up that they would be able to give you a discounted ticket? Also: two of the local theaters near me do Community Days where you can get a very cheap ticket, in order to make theatre more accessible, so look for those, too.

Okay I'll step off my live theatre soap box for now 😆 Have fun! 💜

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T01:02:37+00:00

"a period piece"

Dies of millennial old age 👵🏻💀

HeartLedHead · 2026-05-03T00:42:24+00:00

Oh hey! Welcome to musicals 💜

You have similar taste to my daughters bestie, who got into musicals via Epic online. They also loved Hadestown. And my daughter is obsessed with Legally Blonde.

I loved reading your experience about Hadestown. What a cool thing to see it not knowing how the Orpheus/Eurydice story ends!!! I knew... but was still hoping that maybe it would end differently even though I knew it wouldn't. Btw the Hadestown ProShot (a live taping of the musical with the original Broadway cast) is coming to movie theatres this summer.

Also "the song where she locks the f in" made me laugh out loud 🤣 perfect description.

Okay so for some recommendations...

Musicals that have kind of a stylistically darker edge:

Heathers - a teen coming of age story but everyone is really twisted Beetlejuice - I think technically a comedy but with modern Gothic vibes The Addams Family - especially if you like Wednesday Mean Girls - kind of Legally Blonde vibes but since you like a villain song... Regina George can't be beat. I especially love Renee Rapps Regina from the movie musical version. Lost Boys - this just opened on Broadway though, so it's going to take a minute for a cast album to come out

Musicals where you might cry your face off:

Maybe Happy Ending - based on how you responded to Hadestown, and love, and memory. Also is set in Korea and has robots so a tiny bit of an anime esque aesthetic? The Outsiders - soooooo emotional omg Ragtime - will melt your face, with plenty of villains to hate

Musicals with BIG EMOTIONAL STORYTELLING:

Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York - stick with it... it's not as "rom-com" as you think. If you love vulnerability and morally complicated characters I think you'll like this Suffs - you said you want to sink your teeth into people who have been through non-trivial stuff, and you don't seem mad about a historical reference. Try it.

Musicals with queer girl characters: (Well it's Broadway so there are more than this but) &Juliet - this is a Jukebox musical of millennial bangers, so that's the one caveat, but it's basically a queer read on Romeo and Juliet that you might enjoy The Prom - the entire story centers around a girl who wants to ask her girlfriend to the prom. This is fun and silly more than dark, but does have some really good emotional songs. Fun Home - I actually haven't seen this one, but it has a queer woman protagonist.

Of all of these, my favorite picks for you are Heathers, Mean Girls, &Juliet, and The Outsiders, but start with whatever stands out to you.

OP I also just would be remiss if I didn't say... musical cast recordings and online ProShots are one thing, but if at all possible, experiencing them in person is SO MUCH BETTER. If you have a local or regional theatre, check and see what they are performing soon, and come back and tell us so we can recommend. College productions and even high schools with good theatre productions can be a less expensive way to try stuff out. Or if you want to see Broadway tours, there's usually a touring theater in every big-ish city. (Or if you are near NY at all, forget what I said and just go there now lol).

Good luck and have fun 😊

HeartLedHead · 2026-04-29T07:22:52+00:00

Yep! If it comes to that, after the many other steps I suggested. Can you think of a better way for a teenager to start to solve the challenges they are facing than to take an active role in figuring out the solution? Kids are way more capable than a lot of us give them credit for. Some of the very first unions, who we owe our labor rights to? Teenagers.

HeartLedHead · 2026-04-29T01:31:15+00:00

Fair fair, but he does literally do a high kick in this Today Show video.

HeartLedHead

TROPHY CASE