Is there something wrong with me? I hate musicals.

[Ittakeslonger]

AIBU? I'm 62 and all my friends seem to have developed a passion for musicals. I have been to quite a few with friends to be sociable and to see if I could get to like them but, with each musical, my dislike of them just grows. I find them contrived, and the music average and the whole experience very boring. I sit there hoping it's over soon. I go to be sociable but it's not an event where you chat or do an activity together. We simply sit, glued to a chair. Some musicals are better than others but overall I'd always rather be anywhere else, even home. Is there anyone else out there who gets my dislike? Am I destined to be a social pariah? My friends seem puzzled and a bit offended by my attitude.

Nope, I hate them too!

Why would you think there's something wrong with you because you don't like something? 🫠

Why on earth would there be something wrong with you? I'm not a massive fan either although I like a couple of the classics. I'm in a choir where everyone loves them, I just sit out the socials where they go to shows.

I love musicals but they’re not for everyone. Also like you say it’s not a particularly sociable activity to partake in with friends unless you go out for dinner or drinks before or after the show. I’d just stick to doing things with your friends that you both enjoy and leave them to watch musicals without you.

Out of interest though, what are the musicals you have thought are better than others?

I love them but dad can’t understand why they just keep going into song. He hates them.

Because all my friends (who don't even know each other) love them so much.

Not a massive fan, though I’ve enjoyed a few!

I get bored rigid seeing plays at the theatre. The people don’t act naturally because they have to practically shout to be heard at the back, and the stories are always boring.

I can take or leave them. Some are amazing but most are rubbish.

Can't bear musicals. Unfortunately DH absolutely loves the damn things.

I hate them too, except the South Park movie!

I actually judge people who are musical theatre nuts. Anyone who says the highlight of their week is listening to Elaine Paige on Sunday could not be any friend of mine.

Can't stand them, but some are far worse than others.

As a child in the 80's, I watched lots of older/Hollywood type films which my mum loved. Its only since seeing them again as an adult that I've cringed and realised how many are musicals 😬

Yes, you are dead inside.

But admitting it is to the first step to a cure. Now you can begin to heal ... preferably to the strains of 🎵 Doe, a deer 🎵

I think there’s something wrong with people who do like musicals 😂

I like musicals like Operation Mincemeat, Six, the Producers, Maltilda and Hamilton - clever witty lyrics rather than big emotional belters. I

I saw Wicked and was very underwhelmed. Lloyd Webbers leave me cold too.

So? People have different preferences. Is this really new news?

Nothing wrong with you. DH hates them (though he does like Grease, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!) 😆

I like some musicals. Not all. I find Les Mis hugely overrated. Long and boring. I LOVE Phantom of the Opera though. Didn't like Hamilton, loved SIX. Hated Mamma mia, loved Evita.

I can’t say I’m a big fan of musicals, I look at storyline before booking plus who is taking part and choose seats very carefully.
People who don’t like loud music can easily get headache.
It’s not a social activity at all unless as @ShillyShallySherbet pointed out you go for drinks / dinner after or before.

You are definitely not being unreasonable.

I love some musicals and don't care for others. Just like I love some dramas and don't care for others and love some comedies and don't care for others. Unless you've seen every musical there may be one out there that you like, but also it's not really necessary to make an effort to try to force yourself to like them if you just don't. You're not wrong for having your own personal taste that's kind of a crazy question.

I prefer the classical musicals where the music is more upbeat melodic and recognisable. I can be impressed with the dancing. I like musicals with amazing costumes and sets but those seem less common these days. I don't like seeing the same musical more than once whereas my friends will enjoy new performances of the same musical. I quite like the film mamma' Mia because the music is good, there's a bit of a plot and the scenery amazing.

Nothing odd with not enjoying something. I like musicals but a lot of my friends don’t.

I think it’s unusual that everyone in your friendship circle likes musicals!

Is it just musicals you don’t like or is it theatre in general? If you like plays maybe suggest seeing one of those next time as a compromise?

So? You happen to be friends with a lot of people who like musicals. I happen to be friends with a lot of people who like white wine ..I like red wine. Does it matter No. We just can't share a bottle

Lol It never occurred to me I simply have a high performance of friends who like musicals! Plays seem better as I can get into the plot.

I think it depends.

Maybe play round with them. Some people like them tongue 👅 in cheek - like Gilbert and Sullivan. Others like heavier offerings like Les Mis. Personally I probably find the music and dancing an easier watch than theatre, though I actually like them all. How do you feel about opera? For me it’s the best of the lot.