Guides
Beginner guides, plot explainers, and first-timer handbooks for major musicals.
Next to Normal Characters Explained: Diana, Dan, Gabe & More
Every Next to Normal character explained: Diana, Dan, Gabe, Natalie, Henry, Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine, and what each one means for the Goodman family.
West Side Story Songs Explained: Every Song in Order
Every West Side Story song explained in order, from the Jet Song to Somewhere, with who sings each number and what it does in Tony and Maria’s story.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical Songs Explained: Every Number in Order
Every Moulin Rouge! The Musical number explained in order, from Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! to Come What May, with who sings and the pop songs inside.
Come From Away Characters Explained: Who’s Who in Gander
Every Come From Away character explained: Beverley, Claude, Bonnie, Beulah, Hannah, the two Kevins, Nick and Diane, and how 12 actors play them all.
Waitress Songs Explained: Every Song in Order
Every Waitress song explained in order, from What’s Inside to She Used to Be Mine, with who sings each number and what it does in Jenna’s story.
Musicals Like Into the Woods: 10 Shows to See Next
Loved Into the Woods? Here are 10 musicals to see next, from fractured fairy tales like Shrek and Once Upon a Mattress to more Sondheim and beyond.
Dear Evan Hansen Songs Explained: Every Song in Order
Every Dear Evan Hansen song explained in order, from Waving Through a Window to You Will Be Found, with who sings each and what each song reveals.
Les Misérables Movie vs Musical: Key Differences
Les Mis movie vs musical: how the 2012 film with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway differs from the stage show, from live singing to song changes.
Wicked vs The Wizard of Oz: How the Stories Connect
How Wicked connects to The Wizard of Oz: what the musical borrows from Baum’s book and the 1939 film, what it changes, and how the timelines fit.
Mamma Mia! Characters Explained: Who’s Who
Every Mamma Mia! character explained: Donna, Sophie, Sam, Bill, Harry, Tanya, Rosie and Sky, with their ABBA songs and what drives each one.