Who doesn’t love musicals?

With so many traveling shows out there, Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium would bring in large crowds of devoted musical fans for nearly any performance. But, of course, some stand out above the rest.

Our staffers chose some of the musicals they would love to see here on campus.

Abby Neeley: “Wicked”

This year, specifically this semester, is the perfect opportunity for “Wicked” to come to Eisenhower. Not only is it one of my favorite Broadway musicals, but it’s also a classic. With the “Wicked” movie, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, coming out this November, it would be great timing to showcase the movie’s inspiration to simply enjoy or to compare to the movie.

Mikey DeAngelis: “Les Misérables”

I mean, c’mon people. Les Mis is the musical. Sure, you can claim that it’s overrated or overhyped, but I disagree. Like a lot of things, Les Mis is popular because it’s so awesome. From start to finish, this show is beautiful, heartbreaking, and powerful. The set is also not incredibly complicated, so it’s totally achievable for a touring company to come to State College.

Michael Siroty: “Kimberly Akimbo”

I saw this show on Broadway and believe it would be a great addition to the Penn State theater scene. It has a nice mix of fun music and deep life lessons. It’s based on a group of school friends, so it would directly relate to the lives of many students and would overall be nice to see at Penn State.

Ashley Connington: “Mamma Mia”

I mean come on, who doesn’t love “Mamma Mia?” Penn State students love to sing “Mamma Mia” and ABBA songs at the bars and frats, so let’s switch it up and sing it in Eisenhower at the actual show. I don’t know if there is a more fun and peppy musical than “Mamma Mia.” It’s time to bring the happiest show to Happy Valley.

Evan Halfen: “The Lion King”

Who doesn’t love an animated Disney classic?

Between the script, acting, vocals, set, and costumes of the stage adaptation of the beloved movie, this musical has become one of the most popular Broadway hits, performing for over 20 years. Bringing this show to Eisenhower is not a want — it’s a need. Given that this is one of the most quotable children’s films of the 90s, I just know the people of Happy Valley wanna live life the “Hakuna Matata” way, with no worries.

Besides, we are the Nittany LIONS after all…

Joe Lister: “Little Shop Of Horrors”

Folks, I’m going to make a jarring confession. Back in my youth (high school), I was in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

For folks who don’t know it, “Little Shop of Horrors” is a great story about a girl who falls in love with a guy who has a plant that eats everyone. There’s also a dentist, the girl’s boyfriend, who’s addicted to novocaine, and probably other characters as well. I don’t remember how it ends, but I don’t remember dying, so presumably there’s a happy ending.

Regardless, this show needs to appear on the Eisenhower Auditorium stage, even if it’s only so I can reminisce about the not-so good old days.