Other musicals you might like to try if you enjoyed this musical

Recommendations

Les Miserables

If you enjoyed the intense/emotional side of phantom, you may enjoy Les Miserables. Based on French author Victor Hugo's book of the same title, it tells the story of an ex convict who tries to clear his name but is pursued by a policeman bent on sending him back to jail. The story has been softened slightly, but is still more serious then other musicals. All of the songs are great and fit with the current settings in the story, e.g. fan fare style for the French resistance battle. This is a long musical at over 3 hours (full version) but has a large story to tell along with several sub stories. The lyrics are very catchy, but might not be suitable for younger audiences. One of the highlights is the Thenardier's song Master of the House which always leaves audience in stitches. You can buy from Amazon.co.uk the complete CD boxset, and the DVD 10th year celebration production.

Jesus Christ Superstar

If you enjoy rock and loud vocals, you may enjoy Jesus Christ Superstar. Although based on the events before and during the crucifixion of Jesus in the bible, this is not a religious musical and can be enjoyed by anyone. It tries to capture the emotions not only of Jesus, but also his friends such as Judas and Mary. It tries to explain the reason for their actions, e.g. why Judas betrayed Jesus (giving some humanity to him). When the musical was first released the catholic church tried to ban it, but you must watch it with a pinch of salt. The songs reflect the age they were created, with men singing in high pitch voices. The whole formula works brilliantly and offers a different view from the normal bible black and white approach. Some of the scenes in the DVD stage production might be frightening for younger viewers, such as the 40 lashes and nailing to the cross. From Amazon.co.uk you can buy the 1996 London Cast CD, and the Jesus Christ Superstar DVD stage production.

Cats

If you enjoy dancing and singing, you may enjoy Cats. Adapted from the classic T.S Eliot's book "Old Possums Book of Cats", with music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The highlight of the musical is that everyone dresses up as felines and do rhythm/gymnastics dancing. There isn't really a story, apart from an old cat called Grizabella who wishes to join the other cats. The songs are in a rock/jazz style and are very lively, especially the Jellical ball. The dancing is varied, but most of it is energetic and will leave you breathless. Each cat has an individual character, and you are bound to pick a favourite or two, such as the Rum-Tum Tugger who is the Tom cat of the pack. Elaine Page made her fame by playing Grizabella and singing the song memories. From Amazon.co.uk you can buy the Original London Cast CD and the Cats DVD stage production.

Moulin Rouge

If you enjoyed the modern style of phantom then you may enjoy Moulin Rouge. Based on a brothel in France of the same name, it tells the story of a poor English writer who falls in love with the most beautiful prostitute. She loves him back, but must also pretend to love a powerful and rich Duke if she has any chance of ever leaving the Moulin rouge. The musical is mostly a comedy although it does have some serious parts. It is littered with digital effects and sexual jokes, but these work very well and keep the story lively. Ewan McGregor plays the penniless writer and Nicole Kidman plays the beautiful prostitute. Although they are not fully trained singers, they sing very well, the highlight is "Come what May" performed by both of them. Most of the songs are remixes of classic songs, such as "the show must go on" and "your song". Parents might want to be cautious about the amount of sexual content in the musical. You can buy Moulin Rouge from Amazon.co.uk.