Ah, Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air, but if you don’t have any plans just yet, On The Stage has you covered. We offer 11 musical suggestions for your viewing pleasure, all about one thing: L-O-V-E.
By: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Douglas Carter Beane
Perhaps the most well-known fairytale in existence, Cinderella is taken to new heights in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s interpretation. The story follows the titular Cinderella as she navigates life with a cruel stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella finds a new life … and meets her one true love!
By: Lee Hall, Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard
This musical follows a young Will Shakespeare, who’s suffering from the dreaded writer’s block. His deadline is fast approaching, but he’s completely void of inspiration. Sure enough, Will meets the person who changes everything: Viola, his muse. Will’s greatest fan, Viola will do just about anything to be his next star.
By: Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, and Craig Lucas
Set during the wake of World War II, An American in Paris follows the story of a U.S. soldier, Jerry, and a beautiful French girl, Lise, as they traverse the most romantic cities in the world. The musical involves a few messy yet compelling love triangles and follows the leads as they pursue new leases on life after a harrowing war.
By: Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay, and Russel Crouse
A combination of war commentary, romance, comedy, and coming-of-age period piece, The Sound of Music follows the bold and loveable Maria as she takes care of Captain Von Trapp’s many children at the start of World War II. Although the two come from very different worlds, they can’t deny their attraction to one another.
By: Catherine Johnson, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Told through the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie as she plans her wedding on a small Greek island. The hitch in her plan, of course, is that she has no idea who her dad is … meaning he can’t walk her down the aisle. After studying her mother’s diary, she knows it’s between three men: Sam, Bill, and Harry. So, she invites all three to the wedding. Suffice it to say, chaos, romance, dancing and drama ensue.
By: Jordan Seavey
A modern story about love, Homos, or Everyone in America follows several couples as they navigate romance in the present day. Described as fearless, funny, and with its heart on its sleeve, this inclusive and poignant musical is sure to make you shed a few tears.
By: Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Nacio Herb Brown, and Arthur Freed
A musical set between the transition between silent films and “talkies,” Singin’ in the Rain follows a silent film star who falls in love with a talented chorus girl. Drama ensues when his screen partner – who’s having trouble transitioning into spoken and singing roles – notices their palpable chemistry.
By: Jessie Nelson, and Sarah Bareilles
Pregnant Jenna is trapped in an abusive relationship in her small town. The way she copes? Through baking pies, which she sells at her job – Joe’s Pie Diner. During her first OBGYN appointment, sparks fly between Jenna and her doctor, leading Jenna on a journey to accepting the love she deserves and breaking free of her past life.
By: Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens
Anastasia dives into one of history’s biggest unanswered questions: What happened to Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov? During the Russian revolution, orphan Anya is determined to remember her past after struggling with amnesia. When she encounters conmen Dmitry and Vlad, Anya is roped into helping them convince Dowager Empress Marie that she is, indeed, the lost Anastasia.
By: Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim
A modern take on Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story follows the star-crossed lovers trope. Two rival gangs – the Puerto Rican Sharks and the white Jets – are always at odds in New York, but two members of these opposing groups can’t help but fall in love.
By: Jonathan Larsen
Based on the opera La Bohème, Rent is all about love in its many forms, and follows a tight-knit group of artists. The friends navigate a variety of life’s struggles together – whether they’re tedious break-ups or life-threatening illnesses – with 1980s New York as a backdrop.
“The price of love is loss, but still we pay. We love anyway.” – Next to Normal
“All I’ve ever known is how to hold my own and now I want to hold you.” – Hadestown
“I want you and you and nothing but you. Miles and piles of you. Finally I’ll have something worthwhile to think of each morning.” – The Last Five Years
“I believe I have inside of me everything that I need to live a bountiful life. And all the love alive in me, I’ll stand as tall as the tallest tree.” — The Color Purple
Happy Valentine’s Day, theatre lovers! If you’re looking to create your next production – romantic or not – On The Stage can help. Book a personalized demo now to get started.