In a recent LinkedIn post, Leslie Venetz shares what she calls a “definitive list” of the best Broadway musicals of all time, based on her personal, passionate engagement with the genre. Venetz establishes her unique, albeit informal, credentials for this ranking, humorously noting her tendency to “scream sing Broadway in my home office so loudly and so badly that sometimes my husband has to be like ‘yea…. so I can hear you in MY office with MY door shut if you could just dial it down a bit.'” This declaration sets a playful yet assertive tone for her curated selections.
Venetz’s Top Tier Musicals
The core of Venetz’s post is her curated list, presented with a bold declaration of authority: “My credentials: I like to scream sing Broadway in my home office…” She then proceeds to list ten musicals she deems the best, without further elaboration on the specific criteria beyond her personal enjoyment and strong emotional connection to the music.
“Hadestown
Hamilton
Les Miz
Phantom
Wicked
Fiddler
The King & I
Heathers
The Wiz
Lion King”
This list features a mix of classic and contemporary hits, showcasing Venetz’s broad appreciation for the art form. From the enduring popularity of classics like “Les Miz” and “Phantom” to the groundbreaking cultural impact of “Hamilton,” Venetz’s selections span decades of musical theatre history.
The Case for “Hadestown” and the “Honorable Mention”
Among her top picks, “Hadestown” is presented first, suggesting it holds a special place for Venetz. While she doesn’t delve into detailed justifications for each choice in the main list, the placement implies a particular admiration. She does, however, offer a more nuanced take on “Dear Evan Hansen,” granting it an “honorable mention.” According to Venetz, the musical earns this distinction because “the music is so so so good.” However, she immediately qualifies this praise, stating, “but gosh do I have issues with the plot line.” This highlights Venetz’s critical engagement, even within a personal ranking, suggesting that while musical quality can earn accolades, narrative coherence remains a significant factor for her overall appreciation.
Engaging the Audience: A Call for Debate
Concluding her post, Venetz extends an invitation to her network, transforming her personal ranking into a community discussion. She prompts her followers with a direct question, seeking to foster engagement and friendly debate:
“What’s your number one and are you prepared to defend it?”
As Leslie Venetz clearly articulates, this question is designed to encourage others to share their own definitive lists and to passionately defend their choices, mirroring the confident, personal stance she took with her own selections. This interactive element transforms a simple list into a catalyst for conversation among theatre enthusiasts.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Leslie Venetz on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 12, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →