Guides
Beginner guides, plot explainers, and first-timer handbooks for major musicals.
Fun Home Songs Explained: Every Song in Order
Fun Home’s songs follow Alison at three ages. Every song in order, who sings it (Small, Medium or adult Alison), what it means, and what to hear first.
Hadestown Characters Explained: Who’s Who in the Underworld
Hadestown has eight principal roles: Orpheus, Eurydice, Hermes, Persephone, Hades and the three Fates, plus the Workers. Meet each one and their songs.
How to Watch Musicals Online Legally + US & UK Tours 2026–27
Stream musicals legally on Disney+, BroadwayHD and NT at Home, plus 2026–27 US tours of Wicked, Hamilton and Hadestown and what’s on in the West End.
Rock of Ages Musical Songs: Full Song List in Order
Every song in Rock of Ages the musical, in order by act: who sings it in the show, the original ’80s band, and how the movie changed the list.
Best Sondheim Musicals for Beginners: Where to Start
New to Stephen Sondheim? Start here. Our beginner’s guide to his most accessible musicals, from Into the Woods to Sweeney Todd and Company.
Hamilton vs In the Heights: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Musicals Compared
Hamilton or In the Heights? We compare Lin-Manuel Miranda’s two Broadway hits by story, music, tone and characters to help you choose.
The Lion King Musical Characters Explained: Stage vs Film
Meet the characters of The Lion King musical and see how Rafiki, Nala, Scar and others differ on stage from the 1994 animated film.
Chicago vs Cabaret: Kander & Ebb’s Two Classics Compared
Chicago or Cabaret? Compare the story, songs, tone and style of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s two most famous musicals to choose your next show.
Phantom of the Opera Characters Explained: Who’s Who
Meet every major character in The Phantom of the Opera, from the Phantom, Christine and Raoul to Carlotta, Madame Giry and the managers.
Les Misérables vs Miss Saigon: Which Should You See First?
Les Mis or Miss Saigon? Compare story, music, tone and content of the two Schönberg and Boublil musicals to choose which to see first.