Rock musicals are a sub-genre of musical theater that incorporate rock music into their soundtracks. They often feature high-energy dance numbers, powerful vocals, and electrifying performances. Here are some notable rock musicals that are worth mentioning, excluding “Mean Girls” and “Heathers”.
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“Rent” – “Rent” is a rock musical that was first performed on Broadway in 1996. The musical was written and composed by Jonathan Larson and is based on Puccini’s opera “La Boheme”. It tells the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village during the AIDS epidemic of the 1990s. The music in “Rent” is a mix of rock, pop, and R&B, and the show is known for its powerful and emotional ballads, as well as its high-energy dance numbers.
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“Tommy” – “Tommy” is a rock opera that was first performed in 1969. The musical was written by The Who’s Pete Townshend and is based on the concept album of the same name. It tells the story of a young man named Tommy who is traumatized by a traumatic event in his childhood and becomes deaf, dumb, and blind. Despite his disabilities, he becomes a legendary pinball player and a messiah-like figure to a cult of fans. “Tommy” is known for its powerful rock music and high-energy performances.
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“Jesus Christ Superstar” – “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a rock opera that was first performed in 1971. The musical was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and is based on the life of Jesus Christ. It tells the story of the last seven days of Jesus’ life, from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion. The music in “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a mix of rock, pop, and classical music, and the show is known for its powerful and emotional ballads, as well as its high-energy dance numbers.
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“Hair” – “Hair” is a rock musical that was first performed on Broadway in 1968. The musical was written by James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot and is set in the 1960s during the counterculture movement. It tells the story of a group of young people who are trying to find their place in the world and explore their sexuality, drug use, and political activism. The music in “Hair” is a mix of rock, folk, and psychedelic music, and the show is known for its powerful and emotional ballads, as well as its high-energy dance numbers.
These are just a few of the many great rock musicals that have been produced over the years. Each of these shows has made a significant impact on the world of musical theater and has left a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.
Source: “Rent” – Playbill.com, “Tommy” – Playbill.com, “Jesus Christ Superstar” – Playbill.com, “Hair” – Playbill.com
