Warsaw Community Public Library Recommends Musical Movies
By Melissa Chapman, Cataloging Supervisor
WARSAW — When I decided to watch the film “The Greatest Showman,” I had no idea that I would come away with a new appreciation for musicals. The film opens musically into a landscape of vibrant colors embracing in its entirety the world of the circus: flying acrobats, prancing horses, fire-breathers, elephants and clowns. When the first song ends, it is all you can do to stop yourself from leaping to your feet and applauding.
“The Greatest Showman” is a film loosely based on P.T. Barnum’s life and empire that he built. The film takes us through Barnum’s childhood poverty to his rise and failures as an entrepreneur. The film also focuses on his love of family as well as building a theme that everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, deserves love, respect and inclusion. “The Greatest Showman” is likely the closest one can get to a broadway experience live in your home.
Warsaw Community Public Library has over 342 musicals. Below are some titles that might be of interest.
Everyone loves an animated musical. “Frozen,” “Mulan,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “Coco” and “Lady and the Tramp” are excellent choices.
If you’re looking for a Broadway feel, then check out “Dreamgirls,” “Annie,” “Phantom of the Opera” “Rent” or “Camelot.”
Fairytale musicals are enjoyable. Make it a family night with “Willy Wonka,” “Into the Woods,” “Beauty and the Beast,” or “Mary Poppins.”
In the mood for romance? WCPL has got you covered. “La La Land,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Across the Universe” and “My Fair Lady” are great for date night.
If it’s laughs you want, look no further than “Hairspray,” “Cry-Baby,” “Grease” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”
There are even horror and scary musicals to get your blood pumping and your toes tapping. The “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” are good examples of this musical genre.
Dramatic musicals can be very entertaining, sometimes intense and very often sad. If you are interested in this type of musical, you might consider “Les Miserables,” “West Side Story,” “Sound of Music” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
If you aren’t interested in any above titles, come in to the Warsaw Community Public Library, peruse our video collection and find a film that makes you applaud long after the credits have rolled. Our hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.