For over a thousand years, millions of fans across the world have been in love with musical theatre, myself included. But many wonder why it is so loved. Musical theater has a special way of bringing stories to life while reflecting the challenges and triumphs of modern society. It is more than a form of entertainment but a clever way to bring attention to important issues and help us see things from new perspectives. Three notable musicals that have exemplified social issues include Dear Evan Hansen, Suffs and Wicked.
The musical Dear Evan Hansen explores the struggles of mental health and the challenges of feeling alone and unseen. It tells the story of Evan, a highschooler who struggles with anxiety and gets entangled in a misunderstood relationship after the death of his fellow classmate, Connor. The story delves into the impact of how silence and a lack of understanding around mental health can worsen the struggles young people face. The musical also examines the pressures of social media and its role in shaping how people process grief and connection. Through its emotional narrative, Dear Evan Hansen encourages conversations about mental health, empathy, and the importance of seeking support.
While Dear Evan Hansen sheds light on mental health struggles and the pressures of modern life, Suffs demonstrates how musical theatre can also highlight historical social movements and the fight for change.
By telling the story of the women’s suffrage movement, Suffs captures the resilience and determination of activists like Alice Paul as they fought for gender equality and the right to vote. The musical explores the complexities of the movement, addressing both the triumphs and the challenges, including internal conflicts around race and privilege. Through its storytelling, Suffs reminds audiences that social progress requires perseverance and collective action. This historical narrative resonates with more recent discussions of how important voting rights are, as they were pertinent during the 2024 election. The 2024 election saw heightened focus on these issues, with discussions about access to reproductive health services and gender equality taking center stage. Analyses from the Commonwealth Fund highlighted that women’s access to health care, including abortion and reproductive services, varied significantly across states, influencing voter priorities. Suffs reminds its audience of the struggles undertaken to secure voting rights, and encourages fans to use their rights in continuous efforts to address current social and political issues.
Building on the themes of activism and the fight for justice in Suffs, Wicked shifts the focus to social change through the lens of prejudice and misunderstanding. By exploring the experiences of those who are unfairly judged or marginalized, Wicked highlights the complexity of societal perceptions and the power of empathy to inspire change. Together, these stories remind audiences of the ongoing need to challenge injustice and foster understanding in pursuit of a more equitable world.
Following the story of activism in Suffs, Wicked looks at social change through the lens of prejudice and misunderstanding. The musical shows how Elphaba, labeled as “wicked,” is judged unfairly because of her green skin, reflecting how society often discriminates based on differences. Through her experiences, Wicked explores the effects of racism and how fear and misinformation can lead to exclusion and injustice. Like the women in Suffs fighting for equality, Elphaba’s journey shows the strength it takes to stand up against unfair treatment. Both musicals use their stories to challenge audiences to think about bias and the harm it causes in society.
Overall, musical theatre reflects social change by bringing important issues to life through powerful storytelling. Shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Suffs, and Wicked explore topics such as mental health, gender equality, and racism, encouraging audiences to think deeply about these challenges. Through their stories, these musicals show how society can grow and evolve by addressing prejudice, breaking stigmas, and fighting for justice. Musical theatre doesn’t just entertain—it connects people, inspires empathy, and highlights the importance of standing up for change. By tackling these issues, it continues to be a mirror of our world and a catalyst for progress.