25 Best Golden Age Musicals

The 20th century was rich in the arts, especially during the period from 1943 to about 1959. This particular period is what is considered the “golden age” of Broadway musicals.

So many of the elements we consider to be commonplace in musicals today originated during this specific time period. Plus, the era produced some of the most iconic musicals of all time. 

The following are just a fraction of the many golden age musicals that are held in high regard today. 

My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady came out in 1956, debuting on Broadway before embarking on a US tour in 1957. The following year, My Fair Lady made it to the UK with performances at London’s West End.

From the very first performance, My Fair Lady made a favorable impression despite a few initial hangups. For instance, Rex Harrison actually hid out in his dressing room and refused to go out on stage before coming to his senses.

My Fair Lady has had a number of successful runs and even made its way to the big screen in 1964. Starring Audrey Hepburn, the popular film would win that year’s Academy Award distinction for best film. 

Paint Your Wagon

Are you familiar with the song, They Call The Wind Maria? If so, you’re probably familiar with the musical, Paint Your Wagon, which debuted in 1951.

Paint Your Wagon’s story is set in late 1800s California during the period commonly known as the Gold Rush. The musical is the result of the collaboration between Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe.

Even if you’re not familiar with the musical itself, there’s a chance that you might be familiar with the 1969 film. This film version features Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin, which is a little funny to see such big action stars in a musical. 

Li’l Abner

Li’l Abner is probably a title that you can recall, even if you aren’t into musicals. The inspiration for this musical actually comes from a historic comic strip created by Al Capp. 

There were some mixed reviews initially when it comes to the opinion of whether it was a good translation of the comic strip. What was enormously praised, however, was the choreography involved throughout.

In fact, Li’l Abner would receive the 1957 Tony Award for choreography along with Edith Adams receiving best actress. While it only had 1 Broadway production, Li’l Abner is still popular in schools. 

Can-Can

There’s a good chance that you only need to read the title for Can-Can to be able to hear the song in your head. The music and lyrics for this iconic musical are the product of one of the biggest names of this era, Cole Porter.

This musical takes place in Paris during the 1890s with a storyline centered around dancing showgirls. A certain dance in a club (called the Can-Can) sparked an outrage, causing a judge to venture out and check it out for himself. 

Upon its opening in 1953, Can-Can ran for 2 entire years on Broadway along with a production in London’s West End the following year. Eventually, Can-Can would find its way to the big screen in 1960.

Guys And Dolls

Even if you aren’t well-versed in musicals, you probably recognize the title, Guys And Dolls. This extremely popular musical debuted on Broadway in 1950 and was considered 1951’s best musical. 

The initial production of Guys And Dolls set a massively impressive precedent, running 1200 shows in 2 years. Throughout its history, Guys And Dolls has had numerous revivals, all of which have been successful. 

Of course, like so many other musicals, Guys And Dolls received the Hollywood treatment. The film’s cast is stacked with big names, including Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Jean Simmons.

Candide

Candide is a bit more steeped in the tradition of opera than most of the other musicals featured on this list. If you’re wondering why Candide’s title seems so familiar, it’s because it’s also a novella by Voltaire.

It is considered an operetta, which debuted in 1956 and features music by the legendary Leonard Bernstein. During its initial run, general consensus seemed to agree that it was a bit too serious.

However, Candide has enjoyed numerous revivals, all of which have the benefit of a revised book.

Damn Yankees

If you’re like me, you probably have a burning passion for hating on the New York Yankees. Should you feel the same, there’s a chance you might relate to the musical, Damn Yankees.

As you’d expect, Damn Yankees is centered around baseball and one person’s chance at playing in the big leagues. Since its 1955 debut, Damn Yankees has been incredibly successful, enjoying many revivals along with a popular film adaptation. 

The Sound Of Music

The Sound Of Music is one of the most popular musicals to have come out of the golden age. This musical is the work of the legendary duo, Rodgers and Hammerstein and centers around the von Trapp family. 

After its debut in 1959, The Sound Of Music would net the cast and crew 9 Tony Award nominations, with 5 wins. The 1965 film starring Julie Andrews is still incredibly influential today. 

You’ll find The Sound Of Music to be a popular choice amongst school and community theater departments. 

Flower Drum Song

By the late 1950s, Rodgers and Hammerstein had definitely left their mark on Broadway. However, the dynamic duo did suffer a drought of success until they debuted Flower Drum song in 1958.

Flower Drum Song is a musical that hasn’t received the revival treatment that many of the others on this list have gotten. However, the 1961 film adaptation is generally considered one of its best versions. 

This musical is especially notable because it was Gene Kelly’s directorial debut and his only instance of holding this role. 

King Kong

Since the 1930s, King Kong has been an enigma in pop culture, largely due to the franchise’s many films. In 1959, King Kong would eventually find its way to the stage.

As a musical, King Kong has never actually made its way to Broadway. However, it is considered one of the most important works that South Africa had ever produced.

The production of King Kong challenged the very premise of apartheid that was commonplace in South Africa at the time. 

Brigadoon

Brigadoon made its Broadway debut in 1947 and is the product of the collaboration between Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. This musical expanded many of the groundbreaking characteristics of other popular works of its day.

Today, Brigadoon is still recognized as one of the best works to have come from the golden age of musicals. It even spawned an incredibly popular and successful film in 1954 along with a TV series in 1966.

Peter Pan

Peter Pan was no stranger to the stage, considering that the original play made its debut in 1904. However, aside from the 1953 Disney film, the 1954 musical is one of the most famous instances of Peter Pan.

People of all ages continue to hold a special place in their hearts for Peter Pan. Between the 1970s and the 1990s, Peter Pan saw a few revivals, all of which were critically acclaimed.

Peter Pan continues to remind us to keep the wondrous child alive inside, even when the doldrums of adulthood are strong. 

The King And I

Before The King And I, the world was entirely unfamiliar with Yul Brynner. Considering the fact that he went on to have a massively successful career as a film actor, it’s safe to say The King And I was a huge hit.

This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is still a very popular choice for theater departments. It’s also had some of the most Broadway revivals out of any of the golden age musicals featured in this article. 

Oklahoma!

Are you wondering what musical defined the beginning of the golden age of musicals? It would undoubtedly have to be Rogers and Hammerstein’s epic work, Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! proved to be incredibly influential, and not just because it’s filled with excellent music. This musical combines humor with a serious plot along with some masterful choreography not previously seen before.

It goes without saying that some of the most enduring show tunes of all time have come from Oklahoma! Many of the songs have become outright hits outside of the basis of the musical.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Carol Channing is one of the most significant actresses in all of Broadway history, particularly because of her voice. She actually made her Broadway debut with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949.

This work existed in numerous forms prior to the musical, including both a novel and a play. However, those who aren’t familiar with musicals probably know of the 1953 film that features Marilyn Monroe. 

West Side Story

For many, West Side Story is a popular introduction to professional theater. If there’s 1 musical that everybody has seen, West Side Story is undoubtedly near the top of the list.

To say that this modern Romeo & Juliet adaptation in the setting of NYC neighborhood gangs is iconic is an understatement. The work features music by the legendary Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, with the book written by Arthur Laurents.

As you would expect, West Side Story is one of the longest-running musicals in history. It’s also had multiple film adaptations since its Broadway debut, all of which have been successes. 

Annie Get Your Gun

The world was introduced to Annie Oakley, the sharpshooter of the West, in Irving Berlin’s 1946 musical, Annie Get Your Gun. This musical is filled to the brim with songs that have long withstood the tests of time, many of which are embedded in pop culture.

Annie Get Your Gun is one of the most popular musicals of the golden age, though it's only received 3 Broadway revivals since its debut. Nevertheless, this musical is extremely popular among school and community theater departments. 

You could practically throw a dart on a map and find a performance of Annie Get Your Gun within a 150-mile radius. 

Silk Stockings

Cole Porter had a number of Broadway hits throughout his career as a composer and songwriter. However, his 1955 Broadway production of Silk Stockings would mark the formal end of his career on the stage.

Silk Stockings is unique in the sense that it touches on sensitive issues at a time when the Cold War was ramping up. Despite its short run, Silk Stockings would go on to receive Hollywood treatment with a film released in 1957, which starred Fred Astaire. 

South Pacific

When South Pacific debuted on Broadway in 1949, World War II was still fresh in the minds of audiences. This particular musical is rich with multiple romantic storylines that remain as moving today as they were in 1949.

South Pacific is yet another massive hit by the dynamic duo, Rodgers and Hammerstein. In fact, while Oklahoma! was still incredibly popular at the time, South Pacific would go on to match its success, only adding to the legacy of this iconic creative collaboration. 

Out Of This World

Out Of This World is a bit of an unusual bird as far as Broadway musicals from the golden age are concerned. This Cole Porter musical had everything going for it, including quite a bit of buzz surrounding its 1950 debut.

Out Of This World takes its inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, with Juno, Helen, and Mercury as some of its main roles. By all standards, Out Of This World was a bit of a flop, ending after just 157 performances. 

With that being said, Out Of This World does have some fine music by Cole Porter that any fan of show tunes should check out. 

The Music Man

1957’s The Music Man is Meredith Willson’s claim to fame and was one of the year's biggest musicals. In fact, The Music Man would win a Tony Award in 1958 for Best Musical, even against the colossal West Side Story.

The musical actually ran for 3 years outside of Broadway before making its Broadway debut in 1961. In 1962, Hollywood produced a film adaptation (featuring Robert Preston as it did on the stage) that remains just as popular today.

Carousel

Following Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein had their work cut out for them if they wanted to remain relevant. To say that they had set the bar high with Oklahoma! is a massive understatement.

However, with the release of Carousel, the duo’s 2nd collaboration proved to be massively successful. Carousel essentially cemented Rodgers and Hammerstein as authorities to be respected within the industry. 

Miss Liberty

Have you ever wondered who the Statue of Liberty is modeled after? Irving Berlin’s 1949 Broadway musical, Miss Liberty, is centered around this very topic.

There’s no denying that Miss Liberty pales in comparison to so many of Irving Berlin’s most popular works. However, there is definitely a work of substance here that any fan of Berlin would enjoy and appreciate. 

Call Me Madam

Irving Berlin certainly did not let Miss Liberty’s mixed reviews deter him from putting out more work. In 1950, Broadway saw the debut of Call Me Madam, which featured the legendary Ethel Merman in the lead role. 

Call Me Madam had much more success than Miss Liberty, eventually spawning a film adaptation in 1953. This film sees Ethel Merman reprise her role, ensuring that Merman’s theatrics remain preserved for the rest of history.

Wonderful Town

Leonard Bernstein lent his musical capabilities to the production of Wonderful Town, which debuted in 1953. This musical turned out to be a massive success, eventually winning a Tony Award for Best Musical that same year. 

Wonderful Town is one of those golden age musicals that is quite popular, though not as much as it probably should be. This might be due to the fact that it has never had a proper film adaptation in the style of Hollywood. 

Top Golden Age Musicals, Final Thoughts

While new musicals continue to be produced today, golden age musicals will always have a place on the stage. For many, the unforgettable music within these musicals is their first introduction to theater.

These musicals are also quite popular choices for school and municipal theater departments. Because modern musicals evolved from these works, golden age musicals are especially ideal for introducing young actors and actresses to theater fundamentals.