Musicals. Are they a thing in the past? Have they come and gone? Well, recently, one musical in particular has brought back that spark. Every once in a while, a movie can tug at your heartstrings. As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I can’t help but hold back my emotions when it comes to the new hit musical, The Greatest Showman.

From an early age, I have always been in love with musicals/musical theatre. The beauty behind the actor/actress being able to put their life behind them at that time and simply play the role of their character is one of the few things I love about musicals. Well that and the extreme jealousy I have towards their incredible voices, but that’s a different story.

Being a huge fan of the classics like Mamma Mia and Grease, I was adamant that no new musical could surpass those in my top list. However, on Christmas night when I got to enjoy the wonderful creation of The Greatest Showman, I knew I was wrong. Beaming with joy through just about every song, I quickly realized that I have a new favorite movie.

The Greatest Showman is about the life of P.T. Barnum, the founder of what became the Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Before I saw the movie, to be completely honest, I had no idea it was a musical. I simply told my little cousin, yeah that sounds good let’s go to that movie. Little did I know, I made a great choice.

The casting was simply perfect. After watching the movie, it was obvious why Hugh Jackman was nominated for a Golden Globe. His role of P.T. Barnum was phenomenal. His acting and singing were far deserving of the award. From the moment the movie started, his character pulled you in and had you entertained. In addition to Jackman; Zendaya and Zac Efron starred in the film. The two were amazing in each of their roles. With Zendaya being a trapeze artist in the “circus” and Zac playing as Barnum’s partner, the two fit their roles perfectly.

However, with all the great acting throughout the film, that was not the star. In my opinion, it was the music that made the movie what it is. I don’t think I’ve stopped listening to the soundtrack (yes I’m listening to it now while writing this).

The one song that stood out to me as well as the rest of the country was, “This Is Me”, preformed by Keala Settle who played Lettie Lutz (AKA the Bearded Lady) in the movie. The song went on the win a Golden Globe and it has become an anthem for the marginalized, the bullied, the “freaks” and the “outcasts.” If you listen to the lyrics, the song is nothing but beautiful.

“When the sharpest words want to cut me down, I’m gonna send a flood gonna drown them out. I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be; This Is Me.”

The song is a declaration about individual identity and has become the chorus of empowerment. When listening to the lyrics, she sings about being who she is an accepting herself for it. Her and the rest of her group sing about not letting the outside world affect who they are.

In the movie, Jackman’s character says it best, “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”

The cast and crew of The Greatest Showman really gave us audience a great insight to the life of P.T. Barnum. They grabbed our attention from the second the movie started and kept us involved for the whole show. This movie will go down as one of my favorite movies of all time and best movie of 2017. So I say thank you. Thank you to the whole cast and crew for giving me something to constantly smile about.