In a world that often feels overwhelming, musicals offer us a joyful escape. At a time when we long for unity and positivity, musicals provide the perfect remedy for stress and turbulence. In 2024, the release of beloved musicals such as Wicked, Mean Girls and Mufasa: The Lion King has offered audiences an enchanting way to recharge their spirits. Through musicals, we are able to bond over a common passion, escaping into the magical world of Oz or Neverland, away from daily stresses.
Musicals offer an enchanting way to recharge your spirit.
Beyond their captivating stories, musicals can have a healing effect on the body and mind — reducing pain, stress, anxiety. Listening to music has been shown to reduce stress by slowing down the heart rate and it can alleviate pain and anxiety. For anyone navigating a tough week, immersing yourself in the melodies of a favourite musical can instantly lift your mood and provide a sense of calm.
The ability to immerse yourself in the combination of catchy music, energetic dances and visually captivating surroundings can transport you to new worlds and allow you to connect deeply with characters. Feel-good musicals such as Hairspray, Rock of Ages and The Greatest Showman create a comfortable space for emotional release, escapism and relaxation – perfect for our fast-paced world. For two hours, you can escape from the stress of your exams and burst into the song and dance of Hamilton and Mamma Mia!.
Immersing yourself in the melodies of a musical can instantly lift your mood.
Perhaps most importantly, musicals bring people together. Whether it’s bonding over shared love for a powerful performance or the excitement of seeing a story come to life on the big screen, musical films unite us in ways few other art forms can. In an increasingly divided world, they remind us of our shared humanity and the joy of collective experiences.
After reading this article, I urge you to bring out your best vocals, watch a musical, play a soundtrack and release your inner theatre kid! I’m confident you’ll return back to reality feeling even better.
