14 Great Oddball Musicals and the Quirky Charms That Make Them Tick

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of musical theater, there is a special place reserved for the oddballs, the unconventional, and the downright bizarre. These musicals defy expectations, embrace the absurd, and leave audiences wondering what they just witnessed but craving more. From the surreal to the downright silly, here are 14 great oddball musicals that will tickle your funny bone, baffle your mind, and stay with you long after the curtain falls.

1. Avenue Q (2003)

Literally Anything Goes: 14 Great Oddball Musicals And What Makes Them Tick

by Scott Miller

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Avenue Q is a riotous and thought-provoking musical that combines puppets and human characters to explore themes of race, social issues, and the search for purpose in a post-college world. With catchy tunes and laugh-out-loud moments, Avenue Q is not for the faint of heart but is sure to leave a lasting impression.

2. The Book of Mormon (2011)

A satirical masterpiece from the creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon follows two young missionaries on their adventure in Uganda. With irreverent humor, sharp social commentary, and unforgettable songs, this musical delivers a side-splitting critique of religion, faith, and cultural differences.

3. Beetlejuice (2019)

Based on the beloved Tim Burton film, Beetlejuice is a ghoulishly delightful musical that follows the adventures of a recently deceased couple and a mischievous bio-exorcist. With vibrant visuals, energetic dance numbers, and a hauntingly catchy score, Beetlejuice is a treat for fans of the original film and musical theater enthusiasts alike.

4. Cats (1981)

If you're looking for a truly bizarre and unforgettable musical experience, look no further than Cats. Based on T.S. Eliot's poetry, this Andrew Lloyd Webber creation features a cast of anthropomorphic cats competing for a chance to ascend to the Heaviside Layer. With its elaborate costumes, iconic songs, and perplexing plot, Cats is a musical that will either captivate or confound you.

5. Company (1970)

Stephen Sondheim's Company is a groundbreaking musical that examines the complexities of modern relationships in New York City. With a revolving cast of characters, witty dialogue, and introspective songs, Company delves into the themes of loneliness, commitment, and self-discovery.

6. Falsettos (1992)

Falsettos is a poignant and heartwarming musical that explores the complexities of a modern blended family. Set during the AIDS crisis, this musical features memorable songs, moving characters, and a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost, and found love again.

7. Fun Home (2015)

Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Fun Home is a powerful and deeply personal musical that follows the story of a lesbian cartoonist coming to terms with her sexuality and her relationship with her closeted father. With a haunting score and richly drawn characters, Fun Home is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, identity, and family.

8. Hadestown (2019)

Hadestown is a stunning and innovative retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this musical features a haunting score, captivating characters, and a timely message about the dangers of greed and the importance of love.

9. Heathers (1989)

Heathers is a cult classic musical that takes a darkly humorous look at teenage life, suicide, and morality. With its catchy songs, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters, Heathers is a musical that will stay with you long after the final curtain.

10. Little Shop of Horrors (1982)

Based on the 1960 film of the same name, Little Shop of Horrors is a campy and hilarious musical that follows the story of Seymour, a meek florist who discovers a carnivorous plant with a taste for human blood. With a catchy score and a cast of eccentric characters, Little Shop of Horrors is a musical that will leave you rooting for the bad guys.

11. Merrily We Roll Along (1981)

Merrily We Roll Along is a unique and challenging musical that tells its story in reverse chronological order. This unconventional structure allows the audience to witness the rise and fall of a group of friends as they navigate the complexities of show business, ambition, and relationships.

12. Passing Strange (2008)

Passing Strange is a genre-bending musical that combines elements of rock, gospel, and hip-hop to tell the story of a young black man searching for his identity. With a powerful score, energetic dance numbers, and a thought-provoking libretto, Passing Strange is a musical that will challenge and inspire you.

13. Six (2018)

Six is a history-defying musical that reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as a modern-day pop group. With a catchy pop score, fierce performances, and a feminist message, Six is a celebration of sisterhood and female empowerment.

14. The Toxic Avenger (2009)

The Toxic Avenger is a gloriously over-the-top musical that combines comedy, horror, and environmental activism. This campy classic follows the story of a nerd who is transformed into a mutant superhero after being dumped into a vat of toxic waste. With a ridiculously catchy score and a cast of eccentric characters, The Toxic Avenger is a musical that will leave you laughing, cheering, and wondering what you just witnessed.

These 14 oddball musicals may not be for everyone, but they offer a refreshing and unique experience that challenges the conventions of musical theater. From satirical masterpieces to haunting retellings of beloved myths, these musicals will tickle your funny bone, baffle your mind, and leave a lasting impression long after the curtain falls. So, step into the world of the unconventional and embrace the weird, wonderful, and wickedly entertaining world of oddball musicals.

Literally Anything Goes: 14 Great Oddball Musicals And What Makes Them Tick

by Scott Miller

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	950 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE