Guides
Beginner guides, plot explainers, and first-timer handbooks for major musicals.
Mamma Mia! Songs Explained: Every ABBA Hit in the Musical
A fan guide to the songs of Mamma Mia!, from Honey, Honey and Dancing Queen to The Winner Takes It All and how each ABBA hit fits the story.
Wicked Characters Explained: Who’s Who in Oz
A fan guide to every major Wicked character, from Elphaba and Glinda to Fiyero, Nessarose, Boq, Madame Morrible and the Wizard.
Into the Woods Songs Explained: A Fan’s Guide to Sondheim’s Score
A song-by-song guide to Into the Woods, from the opening Prologue to Giants in the Sky, Agony, Last Midnight and Children Will Listen.
Musicals Like The Phantom of the Opera: 10 Shows to See Next
Love The Phantom of the Opera? Try these 10 musicals with gothic romance, soaring scores, dark mysteries and grand theatrical spectacle.
Les Misérables Characters Explained: Who’s Who in the Musical
A fan-friendly guide to every major Les Misérables character, from Valjean and Javert to Éponine, Enjolras and the Thénardiers.
Miss Saigon Songs Explained: A Fan’s Guide to the Score
A song-by-song guide to Miss Saigon, from The Heat Is On in Saigon to Sun and Moon, The Movie in My Mind, Bui Doi and The American Dream.
Best Disney Stage Musicals, Ranked for First-Timers
New to theater? Our first-timer ranking of Disney stage musicals, from The Lion King and Aladdin to Frozen, Mary Poppins and Newsies.
The Phantom of the Opera vs Love Never Dies: How They Compare
How does Love Never Dies compare with The Phantom of the Opera? We explain the sequel’s story, songs, characters and why fans are divided.
Hadestown Songs Explained: A Fan’s Guide to the Folk Opera
A song-by-song guide to Hadestown, from Road to Hell and Wait for Me to Why We Build the Wall, Flowers, Epic III and We Raise Our Cups.
Best Musicals for Kids and Families: 12 Great First Shows
Planning a family theater trip? Here are 12 great first musicals for kids, from The Lion King and Matilda to Annie and The Sound of Music.