- Week Ten -
Studying abroad in London also means you have a plethora of musicals available to watch on the West End. Similar to its Broadway counterpart in New York City, the West End is known to have some of the best commercial theatre in the world. You can purchase theatre tickets online directly at each show's UK website. I would also suggest using SeatPlan to look at reviews of the seating chart for each theatre, so you're guaranteed the optimal seats for the price. I have always loved listening to soundtracks of various musicals and was so excited to be able to see them in person. Here are short reviews on the five musicals I had the opportunity to watch while abroad: THE BOOK OF MORMON - Rating: 4.5/5 The Book of Mormon is a musical comedy that satirically scrutinizes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints'. The plot follows two Latter-Day Saints missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to Uganda to convert people to their Mormon faith. Out of all the musicals I've watched, this was definitely the most comedy-focused one. Although I personally enjoyed this musical, I can also see how it can come off as offensive since the jokes are very explicit and derogatory. If you are open to satire, I would definitely recommend watching this musical. I found myself constantly laughing at the ridiculous dialogues and catchy songs! Favorite songs from the musical: Hello, Turn It Off, Two By Two You can purchase tickets for The Book of Mormon here. WICKED - Rating: 4/5 Wicked is based off the 1996 novel titled Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The plot of the musical switches from before and after Dorothy arrives in Oz, as you probably know from The Wizard of Oz. I had the opportunity to watch Wicked through the Social Programme at the University of Roehampton. While I honestly wasn't expecting much from the show, I was so incredibly surprised at how well the set was designed and how talented each cast member was. The actress playing Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West (protagonist), was an amazing singer and even gave me goosebumps with her rendition of Defying Gravity. Although the soundtrack isn't one my favorites, the execution of the storyline made Wicked very entertaining to watch. Favorite songs from the musical: Defying Gravity, Popular You can purchase tickets for Wicked here. MATILDA - Rating: 4/5 Matilda the Musical is originally based off the 1988 children's novel depicting the life of a brilliant young girl named Matilda and her destiny to stand up to her school's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. This was the most interactive musical out of all the ones I've watched, primarily because the show is enjoyable for people of all ages (the audience was filled children, teenagers and adults!). It was particularly amazing to see such talented child actors showcase their singing and dancing skills on stage. Although there were subtle mistakes in reciting certain lines, the musical was overall very entertaining and fun to watch! Favorite songs from the musical: Revolting Children, Naughty, School Song You can purchase tickets for Matilda here. WAITRESS - Rating: 5/5 Waitress is based off the 2007 film of the same name, with the soundtrack created by Sara Bareilles. The story follows a waitress and pie-maker named Jenna, who ends up getting pregnant with her emotionally-abusive husband's child. I was first introduced to the Waitress soundtrack by my sister with the song She Used To Be Mine (to this day, it's still one of the most emotional songs I've listened to). Being my all-time favorite musical soundtrack, I was so excited to finally be able to watch Waitress in person. I'm happy to say the musical did not disappoint and is definitely one of my favorites to date. The storyline was a perfect balance between comedy, romance and emotion. Although this musical is not as well-known as its other broadway counterparts, it's unquestionably a must-watch when in London or New York! Favorite songs from the musical (yes, there's a lot): She Used To Be Mine, When He Sees Me, It Only Takes A Taste, What Baking Can Do, Bad Idea, I Love You Like A Table You can purchase tickets for Waitress here. HAMILTON - Rating: 5/5 Hamilton tells a story of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the music is heavily influenced by hip hop, R&B and pop tunes. The musical uses a modern take on storytelling and even incorporates diverse casting of people from various races. Being another soundtrack that I have followed for years, Hamilton was one of my most anticipated musicals to watch. I was a bit afraid the UK cast would not meet my (very high) expectations for the show, but am proud to say they did an amazing job! Each song gave me goosebumps and the cast did superb in executing American accents. In the end, I went home with a newfound appreciation for Hamilton and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in delving into musicals! Favorite songs from the musical: Alexander Hamilton, My Shot, Wait For It, Non-Stop, The Room Where It Happens You can purchase tickets for Hamilton here.
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AKI'm truly grateful for this opportunity to study abroad and would like to share my experiences with all of you! Ranging from pre-departure tips to recommended travel destinations, I hope this blog will serve as a inspiration and reminder to always explore. Archives
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