Joann Baney is a successful educator and business leader with nearly 20 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Chicago, she teaches courses at Columbia University and provides business communication consulting as the owner and vice president of the Professional Development Company. In her free time, Joann Baney enjoys attending the theater and is particularly fond of Broadway productions.
Over the years, Broadway has hosted many well-known musicals, from the Lion King to Wicked. However, there are plenty of underrated musicals that have graced the Broadway stages. Below are just a few examples:
- Miss Saigon - Written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, who are best known for the musical tragedy Les Misérables, Miss Saigon tells another tragic story. It follows a native of Vietnam and an American soldier through their story of love.
- Ragtime - Despite its 1998 Best Musical nomination, Ragtime is often overlooked in by theatergoers. The musical tells the story of a group of African Americans, American upper-class, and European immigrants. Taking place in the early 20th century, it serves as a unique glimpse into history.
- Light in the Piazza - Based on Elizabeth Spencer’s book, the Light in the Piazza musical was written by Adam Guettel. It blends Italian and opera-style music. Viewers are told the story of a mother and daughter who travel to Italy. When the daughter falls in love with a local, the family’s trip becomes more complicated.
- The Drowsy Chaperone - A parody of musicals, this comedy features a classic Broadway feel accompanied by catchy music and dances. It follows a man as he leads the audience through backstage and onstage antics at a musical show called The Drowsy Chaperone.
