BWW BLOG: VALENTINE'S DAY: Dead or Alive?

Jess here. Today is February 14, which (depending on your disposition) is famously known as either Valentine's Day, or if you share my personal viewpoint; Single Awareness Day. For those of you who aren't going out tonight because, let's be honest, Valentine's Day was invented by Hallmark, I have a list of wonderful musicals that showcase the good and bad sides of everyone's (least) favorite emotion: LOVE. So whether you think "Love is Alive" or "Love is Dead," Broadway showtunes always seem to be the answer for any mindset, regardless of relationship status.

LOVE IS ALIVE

SHE LOVES ME: Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock

This is one of my personal favorites on the list. It's a classic story of two people being in love but not knowing it, because well, they hate each other. In person at least. They are unknowingly each other's pen pals, and it takes the entire show for them to finally get together. It is by far one of the cutest love stories ever to be put onstage, and has beautiful music to match.

LEGALLY BLONDE: Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Elle Woods, a recent college graduate, travels across the country to follow the man she loves, and ends up becoming a successful law student. Surprisingly, along the way, she also finds a different man who truly loves her. Based on the film of the same name, this show is appealing because the main focus isn't just on love. It has a compelling romantic plot, as well as an overarching theme.

BIG FISH: Andrew Lippa

This musical tells the beautiful love story of Edward and Sandra Bloom, a couple who gets married with the intent of getting to know one another throughout the course of their lives together. This show also deals with familial love, and the realities of what can occur if you love someone too late. Tim Burton directed the 2003 movie version of this production.

FIRST DATE: Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner

This is another show where the two leading actors don't like each other at first. Beginning as a blind date, Casey and Aaron overcome commitment issues and pre-determined ideals of what constitutes a perfect relationship. This show stars Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez. My personal favorite musical number is "First Impressions" which showcases the initial thoughts of the strangers.

LOVE IS DEAD

DOGFIGHT: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

THIS SHOW. If you really want a production to drive the point of "down with the patriarchy" home, this musical does it. Once again, based on the film of the same name, a group of marines spend their last night in town trying to win money by finding the ugliest girl around, and taking them on a date. It backfires, of course, and you end up rooting for "the ugly girl" in the end. The music though? SO good. Like, it's incredible.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS: Jason Robert Brown

This is everyone's favorite show about relationships falling apart. The music is heartbreaking, and the story is even more so. If you want to cry about your ex-lover, then this is the show for you. Lucky for us, the movie version starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan is on Netflix. So grab your favorite ice cream and eat your feelings as Jamie ruins Cathy's life. All in moderation of course.

CHICAGO: John Kander and Fred Ebb

This show quite literally translates into "Love is dead." I mean, there's a song dedicated to "the six merry murderesses" that retells the tales of the tragic deaths of their lovers. I added this musical to the list because it doesn't make you cry out of hatred, but more scream or cackle at the misfortune of others. You know, the true meaning of Valentine's Day.

NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812: Dave Malloy

This musical is unlike any show ever to be on Broadway. The music is iconic and the production really makes you question whether or not love actually exists. Natasha, a young girl who thought she was in love with her fiancé, ends up getting her entire life ruined by Anatole, a womanizing momma's boy who has no regard for the well-being of others. (Sorry. Really passionate about this one). Natasha becomes so distraught about being alone that she ends her own life. But in all seriousness, the plot and score for this show are heartbreaking and gorgeous.

So in the end, no matter how you intend to spend your February 14, always know that Musical Theatre is there to help you through the amorous, or the scornful moments, depending on your personal circumstances. I hope these productions get you in the mood for the month of love, and help you survive the most publicized fake holiday of the year.

"Sometimes the things you most wish for are not to be touched." -Stephen Sondheim

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