And wow.

It is good. Amazing is almost too mild a word for it. I’m totally hooked, and Jane Eyre is rapidly climbing up the ranks to become one of my favorite musicals ever. And I’ve only listened to it a few times! The music is incredible, the lyrics are practically perfect, the story is of course brilliant, and it just has a beautiful feel to the whole thing.

Speaking of musicals, here’s a quick runthrough of some of my favorites. Do feel free to mention your own favorites (should you have any) in the comments — I’m always in the market for new musicals.

Within the last few months I’ve checked out the Disney musicals — Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and most recently Tarzan — and the songs are great. I especially love “Home,” “A Change in Me,” and “If I Can’t Love Her” from Beauty & the Beast, and “He Lives in You” and “Eternal Night” from The Lion King.

The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyll & Hyde have more of the grand sweeping feel to them that I love (as does Jane Eyre). Though I’ve only heard three songs from Jekyll & Hyde (“Take Me as I Am,” “Someone Like You,” and “This Is the Moment”), so I don’t know what the rest of the musical is like. But the CDs are on their way right now.

I really love The Secret Garden — “Lily’s Eyes”! — and the few songs of Les Misérables that I’ve heard (“Castle on a Cloud,” “On My Own,” “Do You Hear the People Sing,” etc.), and yes, I know I need to listen to the rest (and see the musical itself). And of course Wicked, which I bought on Michael Ballam’s recommendation at Education Week a couple years ago. Good ol’ “Defying Gravity,” and “Popular,” and “What Is This Feeling?” And “For Good.” And “I’m Not That Girl.” I could go on for a while. :) Not to mention such classics like The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, and West Side Story. Ah, musicals.

So, what are your favorites?

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