25 Best Golden Age Musicals

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.