Welcome! The purpose of this thread is to talk about all things related to the wonderful world of musical theatre. Each week (or so) I will post a thread with a topic/question for everyone to respond to. This is also a great place to mention any new musicals you’ve discovered and/or general recommendations for other musical fans. Heard/seen any good shows lately? Have any theatre news to share? Tell us about it!

Last time I returned to the first Musicals Thread created by talking about The Drowsy Chaperone as a way to explain my love for musicals. This transitions perfectly to this week’s question: Is there a musical (or musicals) that you turn to when you’re feeling blue or just needing a little extra boost? Has a musical ever helped you get through a tough time? Is there a specific song you like to listen to get you motivated for a difficult task? This is yet another old prompt that I’m revisiting (it was the second Musicals Thread). But I’ve added some more to it since then.

First, I’d like to take a moment to highlight Little Shop of Horrors. I’m sure that many of you are familiar with this show, so I’ll just say that it is very fun and very cheesy at times, but it is also gruesome, and you might find yourself on the verge of tears from time to time. It’s a true journey. If you haven’t listened to this show before, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s very accessible for those of you who may not be huge musical fans. So, you may be wondering how the heck a musical about a human-eating plant helped me get through a tough time? Well, I’ll tell you! My first year of college I attended a very large university. For me, it was a nightmare. I’m not a very social person today, but when I was younger I was even worse. I was incredibly shy and had a fun habit of getting horrible stomach aches every year when school started because of the anxiety caused by new people, new teachers, and new classes. Needless to say, starting college in a new city was terrifying to me, but I had always looked forward to college and I wanted to go to a “good” school. That year I was living in the cheapest dorm on campus (right next to the massive football stadium) and sitting in classes that were so big I almost never even spoke to my professors (they certainly had no idea who I was). It was incredibly isolating and lonely. So, I would walk around campus and listen to “Skid Row (Downtown)” and beg someone to get me out of that place. As I was transported into the world of the musical I would feel like I wasn’t alone, and that I could totally get out of there if I just forced myself. And I did! I transferred to a smaller school and the rest is history.

If you’re feeling trapped or just want to listen to a good song, here’s “Skid Row (Downtown)”:

I still listen to Little Shop of Horrors when I need a little comforting, but there are also newer musicals that I turn to give me a boost. For example, I listened to “My Shot” from Hamilton right before defending my dissertation to help give me the confidence I needed to walk into that room and talk about my work:

I also turn to musicals like The Light Princess to give me strength and confidence when I need it. For example, “Crash in the Universe” is a great song to make you feel like you can take on the world…I mean…universe:

But what about you? Is there a musical (or musicals) that you turn to when you’re feeling blue or just needing a little extra boost? Has a musical ever helped you get through a tough time? Is there a specific song you like to listen to get you motivated for a difficult task?

I’m experimenting with posting this an hour later than usual, but if you have another time/day that you think might work better, feel free to make and all suggestions!