• 12 Dec, 2025 *

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For most of my life, I’ve simply tolerated musicals. They’re alright. I’ve enjoyed a few here and there, but they’ve never been my first pick. And, I’ve always turned a bit of a snobbish eye towards anyone who did.

But, having a toddler made me realize I may have been robbing myself.

When it comes to music, I’m pretty much a lyrics first person. (Thought, that is starting to change) Give me catchy lyrics with an engaging message and you can play whatever music underneath.

It wasn’t until having a toddler and listening to (and singing along to) Disney songs for a 1000 times that I realized, "huh, maybe this musical thing is for me."

So, we played it safe and I started with my wife’s favorite, that’s also loved pretty widely, and I had already seen before.

We watched The Greatest Showman and I love it.

You don’t need a musical noob to tell you why it’s great. The songs are perfect. The setting is whimsical. And story is engaging.

Instead, I’ll just point out some of the things I particularly love about it.

I don’t think any of this will be a spoiler, but for anyone hyper-sensitive to spoilers, it may be.

First, the songs are just great songs. I mean, I feel that’s kinda a given with a good musical.

Other than that though, my love mostly revolves around two themes.

I love the idea of ‘low brow’ entertainment being celebrated as an industry of selling smiles. I can often find myself being judgmental and cynical and it’s nice to be reminded that joy and having fun are really all that matters at the end of the day. Equally, I enjoyed ‘high brow’ entertainment being recognized as ‘selling virtue’. Sure, criticism of those buying virtue as a way to cover what they lack is valid, but the patrons need not detracted from the virtues of the art itself.

The second theme I loved is the main theme of valuing the outcasts. It’s straight forward and simple, but it’s true and I love it. Throughout the whole film I hear the Christ saying, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." I’ll leave any gushing on that point for my other blog, but needless to say, I have a soft spot for outcasts being highlighted.

It’s a musical about valuing the those that society hates, and prioritizing happiness and joy over high status. Really, what more could you ask for? It’s perfect.

Since it’s a musical, I guess I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you what my favorite song is.

Currently, with only one viewing that matters and no soundtrack bingeing, I think it’s a tie between The Other Side and From Now On. Never Enough absolutely gave me chills, but I’m doubtful it’ll hold up to relistens. The Other Side is just fun and I like the cadence. From Now On is just great for its hopeful resolution. I suspect The Greatest Show will win out after soundtrack bingeing just because it’s the big loud one that is fun to belt out at stoplights, but movie wise, it’s too center and too obvious to be my favorite.

So, if you haven’t watched The Greatest Showman, watch it. If you have watched it, watch it again. I’m not sure there are many better ways to spend 105 minutes.

You are Love.

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