Commentary: Musical recommendations for ‘Hamilton’ fans seeking new musicals

While “Hamilton” brought many tears to people’s eyes, including mine, it is not the only musical people should watch.

For anyone interested in stepping into the world of musicals, check out these four musicals to get you started.

“In the Heights,”

With music and lyrics written by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda. If the name sounds familiar it is because Miranda also wrote “Hamilton.” This musical is a story about a Latino community in Washington Heights, New York City. Since Miranda wrote the musical score, its style is similar to “Hamilton.” This musical offers a look into the culture of The Heights through the music.

A movie adaptation is scheduled to hit theaters in 2021 starring Anthony Ramos, who played John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in “Hamilton.”

“SIX”

King Henry VIII had six wives, but what do you know about them? Refusing to be known as just a number, the six ex-wives join together to create a girl band. This show is in the style of a pop concert, with songs highlighting each wife and how their relationship with the king ended. It is yet another great way to dive into the musical genre.

“Mamma Mia!”

After reading her mother’s diary, a bride-to-be sends out wedding invitations to three men from her mother’s past, in hopes that her real father will walk her down the aisle. The show, which features hit songs written by ABBA, has hit the big screen twice, with a movie adaptation in 2008 and sequel in 2018, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

“Hairspray”

In 1960s Baltimore, Maryland, a plus-sized teenager dreams of being a dancer on “The Corny Collins Show.” After she is cast, she strives toward integrating the show. It is an upbeat musical that brings light to issues including racism and body image. There are movie adaptations, with the two most recent being “Hairspray” and “Hairspray Live!”

While it is unclear when Broadway will open its doors again to the public, actors and actresses are still practicing for when it is time to get back into the spotlight. They will just have to “Wait For It.”