2023 was a busy year for me and I got to experience many great things. Looking back, I couldn’t help but think about my favorite experiences, including all of the theatre I saw. This is my personal ranking of all of the professional theatre I saw in 2023.
I specify professional theatre as it feels fairer to compare those shows than to include community or school theatre which just can’t measure up fairly. I am also only ranking shows that I saw for the first time professionally in 2023, mainly because the only re-watched show I saw would automatically be number one since it is my all-time favorite. That said, here are some honorable mentions before we get into the official ranking.
Honorable Mentions:
Hadestown
If you’ve been on my blog before, you probably already know that Hadestown is my all-time favorite show. I was able to see the touring production return to the Ahmanson in October, and I was just as emotional if not more this time around. I left the show crying, and I am not an easy crier.
Spirited Away: Live on Stage
Back in April, Studio Ghibli Fest had a short theatrical run of the pro shot of Spirited Away: Live on Stage. The production that was filmed was in Japan, so this was the only opportunity that I had to see this show. since I didn’t see it in person I refrained from including it, but it was such a wonderous viewing experience nonetheless. You can read my full review of the show here.
Steel Magnolias
This is my one community theatre contribution to this list as it was easily my favorite (and arguably the best) local show I saw. I might also be slightly biased as my brother was the director, but it was truly such a wonderful show that got me misty-eyed.
The Ranking:
9. The Lion King
The Lion King was unfortunately rather disappointing and easily took the bottom spot on my ranking. While the original contributions were as amazing as I expected, it was the Disney aspects and changes that were unfortunately lackluster and questionable. You can read my full review of the show here.
8. Aladdin
Disney adaptions didn’t do it for me this year, but if I had to see one of them again it would be Aladdin. Aladdin was a fun show with some great humor in parts, but also some confusing plot changes, a rushed ending, and the odd exclusion of fan-favorite characters Abu and Magic Carpet. You can read my full review of the show here.
7. Les Miserables
From here on, all of these shows were amazing and it comes down to personal preferences and my overall experience. Les Miserables is an iconic show that I say is a must-see for any theatre fan to at least see once. Technically this is my second viewing, but the first was when my high school put it on. So for my first professional Les Mis, the current tour was a wonderful choice. But while there were many great things, there were some choices that I liked better in other versions (including the movie). Still, I was crying during Valjean’s last song because I can’t help myself but cry at Les Mis (including the movie). You can read my full review of the show here.
6. Witness for the Prosecution
Thanks to my trip to London that happened early in the year, I have more plays than I normally do. One of these is Witness for the Prosecution, which had the unique staging experience of being in a real courthouse. My brother and I were also members of the jury, thus participating in the show beyond simple audience members. While I am fond of the unique experience, and it was a wonderful production, it just didn’t beat out the other shows. You can read my full review of the show here.
5. The Mousetrap
I can officially say that I have seen the longest-running play in the world during its 70th anniversary. The Mousetrap truly is a classic play and was overall an enjoyable experience. A fitting choice for the middle of my rankings. You can read my full review of the show here.
4. Six
I actually started following Six before it even crossed the pond, but didn’t see it until it made its way to Los Angeles. And it was just as fun and lively as everything I had seen online. The only thing that was a let down was the fact that, unlike on the West End, we couldn’t film the Megasix they do at the end of the show. That did affect my experience enough to knock it down a bit from where it could have been. You can read my full review of the show here.
3. Beetlejuice
I am surprised that Beetlejuice did make it this high, as I normally don’t follow the films-to-stage adaptations. But I made the spontaneous decision to go see it, and I am glad I did because it was such a good time. The show is hilarious, the music is so catchy, and it was clear that the cast was having so much fun. You can read my full review of the show here.
2. Sylvia
Sylvia was the big risk show for the London trip as neither my brother nor I were familiar with it. And it worked in our favor immensely if my ranking is anything to go by. I really wish we had a cast album so I could enjoy this show as more than the memories I have, but alas it has not. maybe someday it will cross the pond. You can read my full review of the show here.
1. The Woman in Black
To the shock of many, including myself, a horror play wins the top spot of my 2023 Theatre Ranking! The Woman in Black was not my most anticipated show of my London trip but was such a cool show to watch. The practical effects especially were so good. I’m very glad that this was one of my brother’s must-watch shows for that trip because it was genuinely peak theatre. You can read my full review of the show here.
With that, 2023 is coming to a close. Here’s to more theatre in 2024! Happy New Year!