7 Broadway Shows To Listen To If HBO's "Spring Awakening" Documentary Has You Craving Edgy Musicals

From "Hadestown" to "SIX," consider me on a Broadway bender.

This month, Broadway musical fans had a field day with the release of HBO's Those You've Known documentary, chronicling the uprising of the Tony Award-winning rock musical, Spring Awakening.

HBO / Via gifer.com

The documentary, which premiered on May 3, 2022, discussed the cultural impact of this unique show which throws traditional theater to the curb and tackles controversial issues.

Tony Awards / Via giphy.com

Spring Awakening remains one of a kind, but it's not the only Broadway show that diverted from show-tune stereotypes. These seven musicals are edgy and unique in their own right — and might be your next obsession.

1. SIX

London Theatre / Via giphy.com

Complete with an all-female cast and band, SIX takes a Hamilton-esque approach to sharing important events in history. Audiences are introduced to the ex-wives of Henry VIII (that king we learn about in history class who beheaded Anne Boleyn and obsessed over wanting a son).

The show feels more like a concert than a traditional Broadway musical, as each of the six leading ladies emits pure star power to share their story. The music feels like it's inspired by the likes of Beyoncé and Ariana Grande and will be stuck in your head for weeks.

2. Rent

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At its inception, Rent changed the trajectory of Broadway musicals for good. No longer were shows confined to Rodgers and Hammerstein-style show tunes, as this musical shed light on drug use, poverty, and LGBTQ hate, all to an alternative soundtrack.

Though the story is wrought with tragedy, Rent also embodies hope, love, and the importance of finding your people. It's written by the late composer Jonathan Larson (portrayed by Andrew Garfield in the 2021 movieTick, Tick... Boom!), and there are about 525,600 reasons to love this iconic show.

3. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Obie Awards / Via giphy.com

Rock out to the music of this cult-classic show, which features Hedwig — a rock-star wannabe with a plethora of stories to tell — and her fictional band, the Angry Inch. This gender-fluid show has garnered a massive fanbase, sparked a movie adaptation, and even inspired a cologne fragrance. 

Over the years, Hedwig and the Angry Inch has featured notable actors such as Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss, and Taye Diggs taking on the titular role.

4. The Who's Tommy

Columbia Pictures / Via tenor.com

Based on The Who's 1969 rock album of the same name, this Broadway musical has had many iterations and changes over the years. Still, its rock soundtrack remains timeless as it unveils the story of a pinball-playing connoisseur who rises to the top despite all odds. 

It features famous songs from The Who's original album, including "The Acid Queen," "We're Not Gonna Take It," and, of course, "Pinball Wizard."

5. Jesus Christ Superstar

NBC / Via giphy.com

While the name Andrew Lloyd Webber might evoke thoughts of phantoms and cats, this legendary composer wrote one of the OG rock musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar. The show has been around for over 50 years and recounts the crucifixion of Jesus through the lens of the disciple who betrayed him, Judas.

This rock opera includes some of the most famous songs in Broadway history, from the ballad, "I Don't Know How to Love Him," to the upbeat "Superstar."

6. Next to Normal

Tony Awards / Via gifer.com

This powerful show highlights the ups and downs of mental illness as it impacts one seemingly normal suburban family. When wife and mother Diana Goodman is diagnosed as bipolar, the musical proceeds to show how Diana and her family navigate this in everyday life.

Next to Normal boasts an epic rock-inspired soundtrack, which earned the show 11 Tony Award nominations and three wins after its premiere in 2008.

7. Hadestown

Hadestown / Via giphy.com

Inspired by Greek mythology, Hadestown utilizes indie folk, soft rock, and jazz to deliver the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. Though we're introduced to a tale of gods and the underworld, this story is one that involves the very human elements of love, loss, and sacrifice.

Like Spring Awakening, this show falls into a category of its own. There's no musical like it — and the score ranges from swinging rhythms to hauntingly beautiful love songs.

Which Broadway musicals are part of your playlist lately? Share your favorites in the comments below!