If your life had a soundtrack, what would it sound like? Would it be filled with dramatic operatic ballads or with upbeat dance breaks instead? Musicals have the power to capture every emotion and personality, from the optimist dreamers to the introspective, shy types. Whoever you are, there’s a musical out there that’s perfect for you. Let’s find out what it is!
- The Dreamer- Les Misérables
You have BIG feelings. You’re dramatic (the good kind), you’re passionate, and have likely thought about rebelling at some point or another, even if it’s just against unfair school rules or your parents setting a curfew too early. You’re the one who will rock out to ballads about suffering and look out into the distance like you’re in a movie montage. Bonus points if you’re narrating your life like it’s an awesome book!
- The Optimist- Hairspray
You’re all good vibes! Sunshine personified would be you. You believe that the world can be changed, and you’re not afraid to act on it. You’re probably also the biggest friend, motivator, and therapist. If you are Hairspray, you give so many pep talks, you should start getting paid soon. If you’ve ever found yourself dancing in the middle of nowhere, Hairspray is 100% your musical twin.
- The Chaotic- Beetlejuice
Rules? What rules? You live on sarcasm, chaos, and a little bit of harmless rebelliousness. You’re the friend who gets everybody to go along with your wild, crazy idea even when they know better but just want to have fun anyway. If someone ever said to you, “stop being a menace,” well done, you’re Beetlejuice! Just don’t say his name three times.
- The Underdog- Dear Evan Hansen
You feel everything so intensely and probably overthink everything, but all that’s part of your charm. You’re a sweetheart, you’re a goodie two-shoes, but you’re also just trying to make sense of this planet. You might not always feel like you fit in, but trust me, people do admire how much you care so intensely. If you’ve ever typed out a big text examining your feelings and then deleted it because “never mind,” or you think they don’t matter, then this is your musical.
- The Star- Chicago
You were destined to be the center of attention! Whether you’re literally on stage or simply radiating main character energy, people can’t help but gaze when you enter a room. You’re dramatic, stylish, and MAYBE a bit narcissistic. If you’ve ever stepped out of your car in the morning feeling like the world revolves around you and your full face of makeup and all done hair, you’re living your Chicago moment.
- The Free Spirit- Mamma Mia!
You’re here for adventure, good vibes, and an amazing playlist. You believe life is to be lived, and you’re never not up for dancing, especially to ABBA. You’re either dreaming of a last-minute Greek holiday or just chillin’ with your best friends, you live life like Mamma Mia! Bonus points if you’ve ever been able to turn an emotionally tough chat with friends into a silly sing-along like in “Dancing Queen”. “I’ve always felt a connection between me and Mamma Mia! It’s such a good musical with such a happy vibe!” (Rory Hartzheim 12).
- The Genius- Hamilton
You dream big and you think bigger. You’re always one step ahead, whether it’s in school, debating with your friends, or just trying to figure out how to get the best deal on snacks at the grocery store. You can talk a mile a minute, think quicker, and probably have an opinion on just about everything. If you’ve ever said “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” while doing an all-nighter, you’re no doubt Hamilton.
- The Storyteller- Bright Star
You’re a poet. You find the good in the bad and likely have some prettily laid out journal somewhere, even if you never sit down to fill it up. You’re a survivor, a lover, and a believer in the transformative power of a good tale to redeem. Bright Star is your album if you’ve ever rolled down the window of your car and listened to sad folk music.
On the topic of musicals, YLHS did Bright Star for two weekends of shows this past month! Ensemble member Aaron (10) says, “Bright Star was an incredible experience! I’m so sad for anyone who missed seeing it!’ (Aaron Alonso 10).
