emotion and feeling to me, even if it is sad feelings. Les Miserables was the musical that hooked me. I was a wannabe sports jock (heavy on the wannabe) who thought musicals were for girls until my cousins forced (as in they bought my ticket without asking) me to watch Les Mis on Broadway. I cried through the entire show. But it's a GOOD cry. At the end, it's so hopeful and beautiful. I was sold. Ever since musicals are my jam.
My criteria would be:
1. good music
2. good story (sad/happy, whatever ... be well scripted)
3. Not too dirty, which unfortunately many of them are.