The Cast and Crew of 'Rent' Share Their Favorite Musicals

A lot of people cringe at the idea of a musical. "Who on earth is going to sit there while an actor breaks into song," go the lyrics in "Something Rotten." But few things can bring joy like a dance break or an 11 o'clock number. That's why we asked the cast of the Broadway Performance Club's upcoming production of "Rent" to share their favorite shows and movies where people sing for no particular reason. After all, nothing's more amazing than a musical. 

I cannot miss this opportunity to praise "Hamilton." I had the chance to see it live in Chicago on a sit-down Broadway production and it was more than I could even grasp. Continuously, I wanted a remote - to pause, rewind and watch again. I do not think watching it once is enough and I would definitely see it live again if I have the chance. It is overwhelming in the best sense possible. A breathtaking symbiosis of sung-through hip hop, history and dance moves, "Hamilton" is multilayered, complex and captivating. You will be adding its soundtrack to your Spotify and singing along in no time. It is truly a transformative theatrical experience, all thanks to the genius behind it, Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also originated the role of Alexander Hamilton). And if you cannot see it live (or find it online), "Hamilton" is actually coming to the big screen in 2021 with a filmed stage production with the original cast!

Nikoleta Mancheva, Producer

The soundtrack for "Hamilton" is available on Spotify and other streaming services. 

"The Greatest Showman," although a very new musical, is my current favorite one because it shows life as it is – with its daily struggles. However, it also shows us how with great ambition and constant work we can achieve everything. The cast consists of very talented singers and actors who were chosen perfectly for this musical. "The Greatest Showman" is a very inspiring movie and I feel empowered every time I watch it.

Maria-Viktoria Mitova, Back vocal

As a fan of inclusive, upbeat, and nevertheless emotional musicals, I would say "In The Heights" gives a great opportunity for the audience to live the story alongside the characters. A mostly rap musical wouldn't normally be the first choice for a vocal director, but the importance of the small messages and lessons hidden in the lines, mixed with the energy of the amazing latino beats and dances, are exactly what won me over when I first saw it live. Just watch it and you'll see, or more like feel, what I'm talking about.

Viktoria Dimitrova, Vocal Director and Maureen Johnson in "Rent"

A movie adaptation of "In The Heights" will be released after the pandemic is over. 

I generally tend to like more unique and different productions, so naturally my favorite musical is "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" Everything about it is just so out-of-the-box and ahead of its time. It deals with taboo topics like sexuality and alienation in a very interesting way. The music, the style, the casting choice, the direction and the characters - everything just feels so fresh, other-worldly, peculiar and interesting. I definitely recommend it if you are open-minded and want to see something inspiring and different.

Boris Dechev, Tom Collins in "Rent"

Just this past year I discovered the beauty of musicals. The one that has left the greatest impression on me so far was "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The movie is Tim Burton's take on the original stage musical and it is all you would expect - a bit alternative, quite dark and bloody. The atmosphere of this film is just superb, it's all black and white and red and beautiful...the music is a fantastic touch. Through the gothic prism of Burton, this story of revenge, madness and what it means to be an anti-hero is even more captivating.

Svetozara Saykova, Organizer

Being a fan of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, I can't help but recommend one of his masterpieces: "Evita." The story tell us about the life of Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentinian president Juan Perón. All I can say is that this musical is a must-see. Every time I see it or listen to a song from the soundtrack, I feel more than inspired. There is also a film adaptation from 1996, starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.

Valentina Staneva, Joanne Jefferson in "Rent"

To be honest, almost every Disney movie could be considered a musical - so go binge on Disney! My favourite one will forever be "Mulan," the story of a girl who dresses up as a man and fights to protect her country. Other than that, Mushu, her guardian, is simply the best. You can't go wrong with "Mulan."

Marina Marinova, Organizer

As a fan of beautiful and almost impossible to sing musical pieces, I would recommend watching "The Phantom of the Opera," or rather listening to this perfection. The Phantom of the Opera is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, and a book by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. Based on the French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, its central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opéra House.

Yanitsa Yanakieva, Vocal Director