One of the best forms of entertainment you can try is seeing a play. However, with the plethora of options available, it’s hard to distinguish which ones are worth watching. Here at our site, we will provide you with the best shows that you will surely enjoy.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
One of the easiest ways to get into the scene of theatrical plays is none other than watching a Shakespearean classic. While Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet are the popular ones, A Midsummer Night’s Dream does not fall behind.
This story is about four Athenian lovers who have plans of their own just to be with their true love. However, as the story progresses, lots of obstacles come in their way in the form of a twist. From using love potions to having a happy ending, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will keep you hooked into watching every bit of the play.
Why you should watch it
If you are looking for a mix of comedy, light tragedy and romance, then Shakespeare’s fever dream story is the one for you. Aside from that, the characters have strong personalities that blend. That is why you will not have a hard time getting to know each one of them. Moreover, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has this quality of escape that removes you from reality. It is as if you are also present in the story and dreaming just like the characters.
- Death of a Salesman
Tragedy is often the best theatrical theme because of its ability to provide catharsis. This is the feeling where you are being purged from all negative emotions and end up having great relief throughout your body. If this is the kind of experience you are looking for, then you should watch the stage play Death of a Salesman.
This play tackles failure, struggles of the cruel world and family problems. You start with the main protagonist, Willy, a hard-working salesman and a father of two. He is a continuous victim of car accidents, but after all three crashes, he still finds himself alive. Due to the numerous trauma he has experienced, Willy begins to hallucinate and see different scenarios in person.
Why you should watch it
When a person is constantly going through hardships, there is nothing you can do but root for them. Such is the case with the Death of a Salesman because you would sympathise with the character of Willy and how his sons and wife are trying to help him out. Though no matter what they do, Willy still finds himself as the problem of the situation. As you reach the climax of the play, the emotions of the characters will make you grip your seat because of the heart-wrenching realisations they experience.
- The Great Gatsby
Watching the story of a poor man rising to the top of the ranks is always a good plot for drama. In The Great Gatsby, you will find this kind of theme when Nick retells the story of how he met Jay Gatsby. As he enters into the roaring 1920s, you, as the audience, will be engulfed by the lush lifestyle of the people during those days.
The highlight of this play is when Gatsby gets reunited with the love of his life, Daisy. However, problems arise when he finds out that the damsel is already married though the tensions of romance and power still draw you deeper into the story.
Why you should watch it
If you are a huge fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald, then you have the chance to see his vision for The Great Gatsby unfold before your eyes when you watch the play version. Meet the enchanting cast for each alluring character, which adds a great element to the overall performance. Aside from that, the story will keep you engrossed until the end and experience catharsis at the same time.
- Cinderella
Cinderella is a well-known Grimm Brothers turned fairytale story that is loved by many. Because of the people’s unfathomable affection for this, numerous theatrical houses have adapted the story and twisted it a few notches to create something unique and otherworldly. While this is true, the classic story of the mysterious blonde woman leaving her shoe at the castle is still there.
Over the years, the Cinderella story has gone through many adaptations that sparked joy in the masses. This includes a modern take, a musical perspective and even a dance-off version against the evil stepsisters. Even though you may know what will happen in the end, these modifications will catch you off guard because of their interesting spin-offs.
Why you should watch it
When you watch the stage play version of Cinderella, you will undoubtedly receive nostalgia. This will let you revisit the good times of the first time you encountered the story. The play uses this momentum as a hook, which is supported by the amazing production set you can find on stage.
- Wicked
You claim to know what happened about the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz, but do you know her story? In the musical play, Wicked, jump into the back story of Elphaba as she tries to weave herself into her magician’s dream. Along the way, she crosses paths with Glinda the Good Witch, and that is when history started to change its course.
As you continue your journey into the play, you will find that the two witches, who are often pitted against each other in the Wizard of Oz, are friends. This shows you a different perspective on how two opposing characters are good for the growth of one another.
Why you should watch this
Sometimes, it is great to have the perspective of the villain. The story of Elphaba will make you empathise with her and see things from her perspective. As you get to know her more, you will realise how things were unfair for her, which became the reason for her label as the bad guy. Aside from that, the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba will make your heart beat fast and sink at the same time because of their numerous experiences in the story.
- Hamilton
A bastard, an orphan, a son of whore and a Scotsman – these are the introductory words that described Alexander Hamilton. But beyond those derogatory terms, the main protagonist of the story unveils his true capacity and nationalistic behaviour to the audience.
Lin Manuel Miranda successfully breathed new life into the deceased Alexander Hamilton, one of the four founding fathers of America. After long-lasting nights of research, the playwright managed to form an autobiographical story that surrounds the events of Hamilton and how he contributed to the American Constitution.
Why you should watch it
While it may be a handful to digest American history in one go, the Hamilton stage play will smoothly walk you through it. Besides, the main focus of the story is the life of Alexander Hamilton. With that said, you will find the different people that played a role in his life, and how they contributed to his greatness. Above all, the amazingly done songs will stick in your head even after you leave the theatre house.
- Fleabag
Are you ready to enter the head of an eccentric person? If yes, then you should start by watching the stage play of Fleabag. She is in her mid-thirties and is currently coping with the loss of her beloved best friend, Boo. As she roams in the streets of London, Fleabag constantly gets flashbacks of the painful memories that inadvertently make her spiral into her doom.
The story of Fleabag is something that you need to take with a grain of salt because of her experiences. Aside from that, her character has this unfathomable enigma that will make you root for her as she unfolds the story. However, all of those will be gone when you reach the ending.
Why you should watch it
Fleabag is the perfect example of the unreliable narrator trope because she is only telling you what she has experienced. As such, you do not have the entire grasp of the picture because she limits you to do so. While the ending will make you feel different emotions, you will applaud how the story was able to trick you into thinking that her character is ‘good’.
- Les Miserables
For the maximum catharsis experience, Les Miserables will give you what you need. This is a connected anthology of the different characters narrating the story. Each one of them comes from various backgrounds, but their common denominator is how they deal with the struggles of life during the French revolution.
Why you should watch it
Les Miserables is undoubtedly one of the best stage plays ever because of how the stories of the characters easily latch onto the audience. It is as if you are entirely experiencing their hardships from your set.
Head over to your nearest theatre houses to check which plays are available for you to see!