well u asked for this so here we are. here's what u should know about the musicals allison and toby should be watching. this is long and stuff so just skim over what u cba to read. if u would like a link to any of the musicals below, i will endeavour to find u one. just ask. (people in brackets: composers / lyricists, **: my personal favourites). 

1. THE WIZARD OF OZ (harold arlen, e.y. harburg)

a classic, obviously. fair warning: you're probably ruined for it forever once you've watched wicked, because that changes shit up for you REAL good. still, very good. judy garland ayyyy

rad songs: over the rainbow, if i only had a heart/a brain/the nerve

rad casts: this was actually only made into a stage musical in 2011, over here in the uk, by andrew lloyd webber (rolls eyes into oblivion). there was a bbc tv show to find the dorothy to star in it (IT WaS CALLED OVER THE RAINBoW anD IT WAS SO GOOD IM NOT GOING TO LIe) and yeah. but now it's closed. which is sad. however, the original london cast with danielle hope (who i love to bits js) and michael crawford was very good, as well as the same cast with danielle's successor, sophie evans (WHAT A CUTIE). alternatively, nothing's wrong with just sticking to the movie.

2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (alan menken, howard ashman, tim rice)

basically the best disney stage musical lbr also their most successful probably because it didnt involve people having to pretend to be mermaids on stage (heavily side-eyes the broadway version of the little mermaid)

rad songs: belle, gaston, something there, beauty and the beast, home

rad casts: original broadway cast with susan egan as belle and terrence mann as the beast knows where it's at. and i thought i'd mention the one time john barrowman played the beast during the london west end run. beautiful

3. SISTER ACT (alan menken, glenn slater)

i love myself a bit of whoopi, but honestly the stage version of the film is literally one of my favourite fucking things and it's so JAZZY and man just watch it it's so good and the soundtrack literally cheers you up so much

rad songs: fabulous, baby!, take me to heaven/take me to heaven (reprise), do the sacred mass, i could be that guy, sunday morning fever, raise your voice

rad casts: nothing beats the original london cast starring patina miller and sheila hancock. nothing.

4. SWEET CHARITY (cy coleman, dorothy fields)

pretty cute. really funny in places. good musical man

rad songs: if my friends could see me now, rhythm of life, big spender

rad casts: i haven't seen anything other than my school's amateur production and the film version starring shirley maclaine and shirley maclaine is god so

5. **CHICAGO (john kander, fred ebb)

literally one of the best musicals u will ever watch in ur LIFE it is fucking supreme. i cant even begin to express my love for chicago. i love it so much

rad songs: and all that jazz, when you're good to mama, roxie, funny honey, cell block tango, mr. cellophane, razzle dazzle, class, nowadays

rad casts: the 2005 film version is WONDERFUL. bar oliver it's probably one of the best musical films ever. it's also the most accessible,  obviously, so yeah. in the meantime, if you have access to it, i'm pretty sure chicago is still running on broadway at the ambassador theatre in new york

6. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (nacio herb brown, arthur freed)

another classic, and god gene kelly is fine......the musical is adapted from the film, not the other way round, so when you watch the film you really are watching the original!! dont let anyone tell you otherwise. basically one of the best musical films of all time, and a spiffing stage musical at that

rad songs: all i do is dream of you, make 'em laugh, singin' in the rain

rad casts: the film cast is brilliant, because gene kelly. the 2012 london revival cast starring scarlett strallen (what a name, eh?), daniel crossley and adam cooper was great so if you're in the mood to watch the actual live performance and can find it then i'd recommend that. 

7. CABARET (john kander, fred ebb)

brought to you by the same guys who did chicago and man this musical is such a gem it is so great and yes very very good

rad songs: cabaret, maybe this time

rad casts: the film is so great and everyone loves liza minelli and she won an oscar for her performance so she's quality!! 1998 broadway revival is hella rad, 2012 london revival was v great, and the 2014 broadway revival that toby talks about in the book is actually a thing and it DOES star michelle williams which is amazing so if you are in a position to do so GO SEE IT at studio 54 in new york 

8. ANNIE (charles strouse, martin charnin)

cute cute cute cute cute. that's it. thats all i have to say

rad songs: tomorrow

rad casts: the film version is always supreme

9. RENT (jonathan larson)

a beautiful musical, honestly. fan favourite, and one of the only musicals to ever win the pulitzer prize for drama. also how idina menzel got her big break! it's seriously wonderful.

rad songs: seasons of love, take me or leave me, i'll cover you

rad casts: the best thing about the 2005 film version is that it actually features most of the members of the original broadway cast, which, of course, is supreme. the film version is wonderful and i'd recommend it to everyone. 

10. **ONCE (glen hansard, markéta irglová)

what a beautiful musical christ it is literally one of the best i have seen and it's just gorgeous in every way. it basically cleared the 2012 tony awards because genuinely it is brilliant

if you're a fan of more understated stuff (like allison), this one is really for you!! does everything it says on the tin, and the whole thing is a joy to watch from start to finish.

rad songs: leave, falling slowly, the moon, if you want me, say it to me now, gold, the hill

rad casts: the original broadway cast is spectacular (how i met your mother fans, "girl" is played by cristin milioti!!). arthur darvill (yes, rory from doctor who) as "guy" is also wonderful (he's not the original guy, that's played by steve kazee, but he's pretty damn wonderful)

11. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (andrew lloyd webber, charles hart)

welllll as you may have gathered from how much allison hates it in the book, this is really not one of my favourites. it is a classic, nonetheless, and your musical palette is not complete without. phantom is kind of a marmite musical, in my opinion - you either love it or you hate it. both are fine!! dont listen to me just because i dont like it, and dont listen to anyone who tries to tell you you have to like it.

rad songs: the phantom of the opera, all i ask for you.....i kind of dont remember many more oops

rad casts: can't say i've ever seen the musical live, but there is a 2004 film version, and it is still running both in the us at the majestic theatre in new york and the uk at her majesty's theatre in london.

12. MY FAIR LADY (frederick loewe, alan jay lerner)

what a great musical honestly it's just such good fun just yes watch it

rad songs: i could have danced all night, the rain in spain, wouldn't it be loverly?, on the street where you live, i've grown accustomed to her face

rad casts: the 1964 film version stars audrey hepburn is super great. sadly, you can't get a hold of a recording of the original broadway cast starring julie andrews because it's from like 1957 but the 2001 london revival is hella

13. **LES MISÉRABLES (claude-michel schönberg, alain boublil, jean-marc natel, herbert kretzmer)

well.......it's very emotionally draining. not exactly one to watch again and again, but it's certainly wonderful. les mis is one of those musicals that's in a league of it's own. kind of a love-hate thing, like phantom, but honestly i personally love it. fair warning, theres basically no speaking. like really. it's practically all singing. but it's good singing. very good

rad songs: at the end of the day, i dreamed a dream, castle on a cloud, stars, abc cafe/red and black, do you hear the people sing?, in my life, a heart full of love, one day more, on my own, a little fall of rain, bring him home, empty chairs at empty tables

rad casts: well les mis is currently showing in both london at queen's theatre AND only two months ago a broadway revival started showing at the imperial theatre in new york. obviously i havent seen the us one but i have no doubt it's brilliant, and i can definitely vouch for the current london cast. the 2012 film version is really popular and actually pretty damn good, and both the 10th anniversary concert from 1990 and the 25th anniversary concert from 2010 are superb.

14. THE LION KING (elton john, tim rice)

hamlet............with animated animals..........and elton john..........and a happy ending...........how can u even ask for more

the theatre version is really outstanding because of one thing: the costumes. they are UNREAL. there is absolutely no way i can describe how fucking amazing the costumes in this show are, they are literally the costume design that people only dream of, it's spectacular like literally just go watch it for the costumes if nothing else

rad songs: circle of life, i just can't wait to be king, they live in you, be prepared, hakuna matata, can you feel the love tonight

rad casts: both the original broadway cast and the original london cast are spectacular. both are still running, with the broadway version at the minskoff theatre in new york and the west end version at the lyceum theatre in london. of course, there's always the original film, which is a classic, but the theatre version is beautiful

15. HAIRSPRAY (marc shaiman, scott wittman)

what a jam am i right

hairspray is one of those musicals that u will know off by heart even when ur 40 and will still make u feel good about life even when ur 40. its just that type of musical. and that is great. cleaned the tony awards in 2003 and won loads of awards including best musical, so thats certified proof that it's fabulous

rad songs: good morning baltimore, i can hear the bells, (the legend of) miss baltimore crabs, welcome to the '60s, run and tell that, big blonde and beautiful, without love, i know where i've been, you can't stop the beat

rad casts: sadly both the west end and broadway productions have been closed for some time now but if you can find a recording of the original broadway cast starring marissa janet winokur, harvey fierstein, matthew morrison and laura bell bundy ur life will be good. because matthew morrison is beautiful. and so is laura bell bundy. more on her later kids

16. **THE BOOK OF MORMON (trey parker, robert lopez, matt stone)

preeetttyyyy much the best/funniest musical this century. absolutely cleaned the 2011 tony awards and for good reason. might be a little awkward to go see w ur parents. but if u ever go see it bring a spare pair of underwear because u will laugh so hard  that u WILL piss urself this is not a lie

rad songs: hello, you and me (but mostly me), hasa diga eebowai, all american prophet, sal tlay ka siti, man up, i believe, i am africa

rad casts: original broadway cast starring andrew rannells and josh gad has no competition. they are fucking hilarious. there are two us national tours taking place, and book of mormon is still running both at the eugene o'neill theatre in new york and prince of wales theatre in london, so if you can, literally just go see it U WILL NOT REGRET

17. MAMMA MIA! (björn ulvaeus, benny andersson, stig anderson)

ok well..................not exactly les mis but it is good fun i will give everyone that. also my abba phase in year six never wore off so im always up for some mamma mia i wont lie

rad songs: they're all abba songs so if u like abba u r living the dream. if u don't.........not so much

rad casts: tbh there's no outstanding cast that i can really say "WATCH!!!". but mamma mia is still showing at the novello theatre in london and the broadhurt theatre in new york. so. then u have the 2008 film adaptation which is actually pretty good fun if u ignore the atrocity that is pierce brosnan when he sings but yes no it's all good the film version is great this is a fun musical basically

18. **HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (frank loesser)

honestly this musical is pretty fucking hilarious like it's just one of those musicals which is hilarious and great and witty and generally everything a musical should be so a+++++

rad songs: how to succeed, happy to keep his dinner warm, a secretary is not a toy, been a long day, rosemary, i believe in you, brotherhood of man

rad casts: the 1967 film adaptation is really great because two of the lead actors from the original broadway cast just play their roles again which is super great. the 2012 broadway revival stars daniel radcliffe and he's actually super great in it so yes i would definitely recommend it

19. FOOTLOOSE (tom snow, dean pitchford)

well yes this musical is good fun. kind of. i mean not exactly the best musical but it's suitably entertaining

rad songs: footloose, i can't stand still, holding out for a hero, learning to be silent, mama says, let's hear it for the boy

rad casts: well.....i mean. idk man. the film version isn't actually the musical but kevin bacon is in it which is hella. the original broadway cast is pretty good so if i had to recommend one it would be that one

20. EVITA (andrew lloyd webber, tim rice)

as far as andrew lloyd webber ones go this is the typical "some people get bored out their minds, some people love it to bits" so whatever i have nothing further to say it's good i guess yes it is worth watching

rad songs: don't cry for me argentina........i guess................

rad casts: never seen it live but 1996 film adaptation starring madonna is pretty fucking entertaining it's actually really good

21. **LEGALLY BLONDE (nell benjamin, kaurence o'keefe)

THE MOST IMPORTANT MUSICAL EVER MADE. IF U WATCH NONE OF THESE WATCH THIS ONE. PLEASE. I BEG OF YOU

rad songs: omigod you guys, what you want, blood in the water, positive, chip on my shoulder, so much better, whipped into shape, take it like a man, bend and snap, there! right there!, legally blonde remix

rad casts: there is NOTHING ON THIS EARTH that will beat the original broadway cast starring laura bell bundy. nothing. on this earth.  not even the original london cast starring sheridan smith who is my love and my light. WATCH THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST.

22. **MARY POPPINS (robert b. sherman, richard m. sherman, george stiles, anthony drewe)

u think u kno from the film but like............the musical is so different.........and so rad.............it's honestly so lovely and will make u feel like seven again and i love it so sosososo mcuh

rad songs: chim chim cher-ee, jolly holiday, a spoonful of sugar, feed the birds, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, a man has dreams, let's go fly a kite

rad casts: the original london cast starring laura michelle kelly and gavin lee is unrivalled

23. **RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (richard rodgers, oscar hammerstein ii)

extremely different from the disney version and infinitely more wonderful. probably the most underrated musical rodgers and hammerstein ever worked on. it is honestly pure magic

rad songs: in my own little corner, ten minutes ago / ten minutes ago (reprise), the loneliness of evening,  a lovely night / a lovely night (reprise), he was tall, do i love you because you're beautiful?

rad casts: this was originally a production written for television. the 1957 original production stars julie andrews and is therefore perfect. there's also a 1997 film version which was issued by disney and is pretty hella. in terms of stage production, i can honestly and sincerely recommend the 2013 broadway production, with the original broadway cast, that stars laura osnes and santino fontana, who are basically perfect...........it's currently still showing at the broadway theatre in new york (take note that laura and santino arent performing there anymore. laura's actually been replaced by carly rae jepsen. im not saying dont go but like......think carefully)

24. GREASE (jim jacobs, warren casey)

good musical, bad messages

rad songs: like all of them im not going to try and sugarcoat this

rad casts: ehhhh stick with the 1978 film adaptation and u r real good. stay clear from grease 2. it's mentally scarring and also made sure that michelle pfeiffer didnt get an acting job for ten years after she did it (this is tru. im not joking.). just.........stay away

25. **OLIVER! (lionel bart)

basically the film adaptation is the best musical film ever made and the whole thing is cute and lovely and so great and just watch it man

rad songs: food, glorious food, where is love?, consider yourself, you've got to pick a pocket or two, i'd do anything, oom-pah-pah, who will buy?, as long as he needs me, reviewing the situation

rad casts: so like as i said the 1968 film adaptation is where it's at and it's one of the only musical films to win the oscar for best picture so yes kind of a big deal. stage-wise my fave cast has always been the 1994 london palladium cast because like they're hella rad

26. FUNNY GIRL (jule styne, bob merrill)

worth watching just for barbra streisand tbh

rad songs: don't rain on my parade

rad casts: the 1968 film adaptation u should literally see for streisand. she is a fuckin hurricane. even so, ur lucky enough that both the original broadway cast and the original london cast also star her, so u can never get enough of her tbh. gotta love babs

27. FAME! (steve margoshes, jacques levy)

well.................good for entertainment value i suppose. the ending is quite sad tho toby wasnt kidding about that

rad songs: there she goes / fame!, let's play a love scene, in l.a., can't keep it down, mabel's prayer, dancing on the sidewalk

rad casts: uh well i guess the 1995 original london cast is decent?? but like. 1995. good luck finding a recording. p sure that jonathan groff was in a production at some point but like i have no idea where a recording of that can be found

28. **THE SOUND OF MUSIC (richard rodgers, oscar hammerstein ii)

tHE HILLS ARE ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE

rad songs: the sound of music, maria, my favourite things, do-re-mi, sixteen going on seventeen, the lonely goatherd, so long, farewell, edelweiss, how can love survive?

rad casts: i mean honestly just stick with the 1965 film adaptation because it has julie andrews and christopher plummer in it literally what more could u want?? on the other hand if ur dying to see a stage version nbc literally broadcasted a televised version last year (2013) starring carrie underwood and if u look past carrie underwood's kind of abysmal acting and just listen to her beautiful voice it's actually very entertaining

29. **WEST SIDE STORY (leonard bernstein, stephen sondheim)

one of the most important musicals ever written. ever. and no one ever argues that this untrue. it is literally the supreme of supremes

rad songs: something's coming, maria, america, somewhere, tonight, i feel pretty, a boy like that, cool

rad casts: the 1961 film adaptation is kind of a big deal. again one of the only musical films to win best picture at the oscars. but what really gets me goin is the 2009 broadway revival cast, mainly because like everyone in it was really hot. especially karen olivo who played anita and won a tony for it. she was hot

30. **WICKED(stephen schwartz)

proooooobably one of the most popular musicals this decade. it's legit man. it's fuckin good. im not going to lie

rad songs: the wizard and i, what is this feeling?, no one mourns the wicked, dancing through life, popular, one short day, defying gravity, thank goodness, as long as you're mine, no good deed, for good

rad casts: well we all know that nothing beats the original broadway cast starring idina menzel and kristin chenoweth. but there have been some hella replacements (eg. lindsay mendez). the london cast always kicks arse, too, and louise dearman deserves a special shoutout because she's the only person in the show's history who played both glinda and elphaba during her run. wicked is still running at the gershwin theatre in new york and the apollo victoria theatre in london.

okay so that's basically all i got!! 

other musicals i recommend: matilda, next to normal, dogfight, fiddler on the roof, all that jazz, the king and i, south pacific, little shop of horrors, into the woods, a star is born, guys and dolls, thoroughly modern mille, newsies, bonnie & clyde, the last five years, pippin, catch me if you can, bare, porgy and bess, anything goes, billy elliot, the bodyguard, charlie and the chocolate factory, bugsy malone 

and yes i will stop because im getting carried away. happy watching!

- mariam