- The Black Crook (1866): This musical burlesque was one of the first to feature elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. It was a huge hit and ran for over 300 performances.
- The Mikado (1885): This Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera satirized British politics and society. It was one of the most popular musicals of the Victorian era and has been revived many times since.
- A Trip to Chinatown (1891): This musical comedy was one of the first to feature Chinese characters and music. It was a big hit and helped to popularize Chinese culture in the United States.
- The Wizard of Oz (1902): This musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's novel was a huge success and helped to launch the career of actress Dorothy Dandridge.
- Hello, Dolly! (1964): This musical comedy tells the story of a matchmaker who tries to find a husband for a wealthy widow. It was a big hit and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
- The Sound of Music (1959): This musical tells the story of the Von Trapp family, who escape from Nazi-occupied Austria by singing their way to freedom. It was a huge hit and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.