8 uplifting musical theatre soundtracks

  • March 23, 2020
  • All things Paris
  • Aysha Ferullo

The beauty of the theatre is that it can also be enjoyed at bay, thanks to Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music offering access to any soundtrack your heart may desire. While taking a trip to the theatre during this difficult period is certainly off the table, you can make it feel like you’re there in the flesh by popping on one of the following uplifting soundtracks. 

8. Hamilton

Getting tickets to see Hamilton is no walk in the park, so the way most people experience this thrilling spectacle tends to be from the comfort of their own home anyway. Immerse yourself in American history interwoven with hip-hop and haunting ballads. At a respectable 2:22 duration, you won’t have trouble passing the time with this on in the background. Hamilton is confirmed to be best enjoyed at full volume.

7. Legally Blonde

As well as being an excellent film, Legally Blonde is also one of our all-time favourite musicals. A fan favourite for good reason. Catchy jingles and whimsical dance moves will sweep you through this testing season. What’s more is, with Legally Blonde 3 being just around the corner (May 2020), there’s no better time than the present to get stuck into Elle’s endeavours. Why not pop on both films and make a day of it?

6. Wicked

Even if you’re not a musical theatre lover, it’s hard to resist this Stephen Schwartz masterpiece. Belt out these impossible-to-resist show tunes loved by audiences all around. We tend to enjoy it followed by a run of the Wizard of Oz, what better way to celebrate its excellent prequel?

5. Rent

Rent may tackle sensitive topics, but the message of love prevails throughout, rendering this an ultimately uplifting musical to get stuck into. Once more, supported by an excellent motion picture, Rent is always sure to bring a smile to our faces. Have a listen to it and see that even this can be a season of love!

4. The Book of Mormon

This corker will be sure to get you laughing! This is guaranteed to be one of the easiest ways to get your mind off of the outside world and make self-isolation, or even quarantine, seem a little sweeter. With dangerously dark humour and catchy tunes, it’s a sure-fire way of lifting your spirits!

3. 13 The Musical

This lesser-known musical is certainly one to be included in the mix, as it’s arguably one of Jason Robert Brown’s best works. Be sure to have a listen to the original Broadway cast recording from start to finish and immerse yourself in the trials and tribulations of Evan Goldman’s life in Appleton, Indiana. What’s more, is there’s a full German cast recording available, and we can confirm, it’s just as delightful!

2. Hairspray

Hairspray will have you dancing in (and out of) your seat for its entirety. A beautiful message and one of the best film adaptations of a musical we’ve ever seen! Both the original Broadway cast recording and motion picture recording soundtracks are ones to look out for, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to this score. 

  1. Waitress

Our pick for the most uplifting musical soundtrack is Waitress. With a successful Broadway and West End run, it’s certainly swarming around everyone’s head. With the first words of the entire show being ‘sugar, butter, flour’, you know for certain that you’re in for a treat from the get-go. Female empowerment is seen through baking metaphors, belters of showtunes and even some opera - it’ll make the days fly by. We also recommend having a watch of the 2007 film. Not quite a musical, though this dark comedy is just as entertaining as Sarah Bareilles' fantastic score.