With an endless amount of shows, movies, books, and podcasts to binge, you might want to change it up! How about some Broadway cast albums? Whether you have seen the musical already or are listening for the first time, cast albums are such a great way to immerse yourself into the story and imagine it being played out in your own head. Although there is nothing like the thrill of being in the audience of a live performance, cast albums allow you to experience the music and storytelling on a more personal level, anywhere and anytime.
Here are some of our favorite Broadway cast albums to binge!
Waitress
Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, this romantic comedy musical follows Jenna, a waitress and delicious pie baker, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and small town life. Between a baking contest, a new doctor, and the help of her waitress friends, a fresh start may be just within reach. All she needs is to find her inner strength and courage to build the life she wants. With a score by the Sara Bareilles, one listen will have you immediately in love with the music and story.
Bandstand
Set in the Swing and Big band era, Bandstand is an inspiring and poignant musical that shows just how art can heal the soul. The official synopsis states:
It’s 1945. As America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible, find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home.
The Prom
All Emma wants to do is take her girlfriend to the prom, but when her small town in Indiana finds out, the PTA threatens to cancel it. Enter: four eccentric Broadway stars who march in to town to fight for justice (and to hopefully get some good press!) Follow along as the characters learn from each other and join together to show “how the world could one day be” if “no one cares who your unruly heart loves.” The musical has a perfect balance of humor and heart, with an extra bit of “zazz!”
Hadestown
Imagine Greek Mythology set to folk, jazz, blues, and Americana. The musical
follows two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Anaïs Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Rachel Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit nature against industry, faith against doubt, and love against fear. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, ‘Hadestown’ is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
As the character Mr. Hermes says in the opening song, “it’s a sad song, it’s a sad tale, it’s a tragedy, it’s a sad song but we’re going to sing it anyway.” With one listen, you will be glad they do sing it anyway because this musical leaves an unforgettable impression on anyone who hears it.
Jagged Little Pill
Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy Award-winning album of the same name, this musical uses the lyrics, dance, and expert storytelling to touch upon what it means to live in the 21st century. It follows a suburban family and their community as they deal with some of the most prevalent issues of today. This musical is raw and moving and definitely seems to be an anthem of our current time. Listening through, you’ll even hear some new Morissette songs that are not on her original Jagged Little Pill album.
Honorable Mentions
Hamilton
Dear Evan Hansen
Frozen
Little Shop of Horrors (2019 Off-Broadway)
These are just a few of the many amazing bingeworthy musicals out there! What are some of your favorites?