Difference between revisions of "Entertainment/Musicals"
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List of longest-running West End musicals (as of March 2020) – 1<sup>st</sup> ''Les Miserables'' (13,964), 2<sup>nd</sup> The ''Phantom of the Opera'' (13,629), 3<sup>rd</sup> ''Blood Brothers'' (10,013), 4<sup>th</sup> ''Cats'' (8,949), 5<sup>th</sup> ''Mamma Mia!'' (8,498) | List of longest-running West End musicals (as of March 2020) – 1<sup>st</sup> ''Les Miserables'' (13,964), 2<sup>nd</sup> The ''Phantom of the Opera'' (13,629), 3<sup>rd</sup> ''Blood Brothers'' (10,013), 4<sup>th</sup> ''Cats'' (8,949), 5<sup>th</sup> ''Mamma Mia!'' (8,498) | ||
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''Mamma Mia!'' is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA. It was the brainchild of producer Judy Craymer''.'' Phyllida Lloyd directed the musical and also the film adaptation | ''Mamma Mia!'' is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA. It was the brainchild of producer Judy Craymer''.'' Phyllida Lloyd directed the musical and also the film adaptation | ||
Revision as of 17:53, 20 May 2021
Musicals by composer
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA. It was the brainchild of producer Judy Craymer. Phyllida Lloyd directed the musical and also the film adaptation
Chess is a musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, formerly of ABBA. The story involves a romantic triangle between two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess championship, and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other: all in the context of a Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union
- I Know Him so Well – duet sung by Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson
- One Night in Bangkok – sung by Murray Head
The Pyjama Game is a musical based on the novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell. It features a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The story deals with labour troubles in a pyjama factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where worker demands for a 7 ½ cent raise are going unheeded
Billy is a musical based on the novel and play Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The book was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the music is by John Barry, and the lyrics are by Don Black. The cast starred Michael Crawford in the title role
Fings Ain’t What They Used to Be by Frank Norman, himself a Cockney, has music and lyrics by Lionel Bart
Oliver! – composed by Lionel Bart. Oliver! premiered in the West End in 1960. Ron Moody played Fagin. First international musical British hit
- Consider Yourself
- I’d Do Anything
- Oom-Pah-Pah – sung by Nancy
- You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two – sung by Fagin
Maggie May – musical with lyrics by Lionel Bart. Based on Maggie May, a traditional ballad about a Liverpool prostitute
Blitz! – Lionel Bart musical set in the East End of London
Twang! – Lionel Bart musical featuring Robin Hood. It was a disastrous box-office failure and cost Bart his personal fortune
Annie Get Your Gun – Irving Berlin. Annie Oakley gets her man, Frank Butler, by allowing him to win a shooting match at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. 1946 musical. Ethel Merman played Annie Oakley
- There’s No Business Like Show Business
- Anything You Can Do
- Doin' What Comes Natur'lly
Call Me Madam – musical by Irving Berlin. It centres on Sally Adams, a well-meaning but ill-informed socialite widow who is appointed United States Ambassador to the fictional European country of Lichtenburg
West Side Story is a musical written by Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). The story is based loosely on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which was, in turn, based on a narrative poem by Arthur Brooke entitled The Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet (1562), which was in turn inspired by the legend of Tristan and Isolde. Romeo is Tony, Juliet is Maria. Set on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the musical explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds (the ‘American’ Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks)
- I Feel Pretty
- America
- Somewhere
On the Town – Leonard Bernstein musical
- New York, New York
Carmen Jones is a 1943 Broadway musical with music by Georges Bizet and lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein
Fiddler on the Roof is a musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. Originally entitled Tevye, the musical is based on Tevye and his Daughters, or Tevye the Milkman, and other stories originally published by the Russian Jewish author Sholom Aleichem in 1894. The play's title stems from a painting by Marc Chagall
- Sunrise, Sunset
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is a 2011 ‘circus, rock and roll, drama’ with music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge
Kismet is a musical, with music and lyrics written in 1953 by Robert Wright and George Forrest, adapted from the music of Alexander Borodin, and produced by Charles Lederer, who in 1954, won three Tony Awards for it. The musical was adapted from the book by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, based on the play by Edward Knoblock. It takes place in the city of Baghdad in the times of The Arabian Nights
- Stranger in Paradise – based on the Gliding Dance of the Maidens from the Polovtsian Dances
- Baubles, Bangles & Beads
Stop the World – I Want to Get Off is a musical with a book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Time is a musical by Dave Clark. Starred Cliff Richard, who was replaced by David Cassidy
Sweet Charity is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It is based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria
- Big Spender
- If My Friends Could See Me Now
- The Rhythm Of Life
Tonight’s the Night – musical by Ben Elton, based on the music of Rod Stewart
We Will Rock You is a musical by Ben Elton. The musical tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and does the same. Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown
Heathcliff is a musical, written by Cliff Richard and based loosely on the novel Wuthering Heights. The music was composed by John Farrar with lyrics written by Tim RiceFings Ain’t What They Used To Be by Frank Norman, himself a Cockney, has music and lyrics by Lionel Bart
Jersey Boys is based on the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. 2005 jukebox musical with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe
Me and My Girl features music by Noel Gay. The musical had a successful original run on the West End in 1937 and very successful revivals in both London (starring Robert Lindsay) and New York in the 1980s
- The Lambeth Walk
- With a Little Bit of Luck
Lady, Be Good is a Broadway musical play that was written by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, featuring music by George and Ira Gershwin. It debuted in 1924
Funny Face is a 1927 Broadway musical composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin
- ‘S Wonderful
A Chorus Line is a musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch. The original Broadway production ran for 6,137 performances, becoming the longest-running production in Broadway history until surpassed by Cats in 1997, and the longest-running Broadway musical originally produced in the US, until surpassed in 2011 by Chicago
- I Hope I Get It
- One
They're Playing Our Song is a musical with a book by Neil Simon, lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, and music by Marvin Hamlisch
Marvin Hamlisch is the only person to win an EGOT, a Pulitzer Prize, and a Golden Globe
Half a Sixpence was written for Tommy Steele. Based on HG Wells’s novel Kipps. David Heneker wrote both music and lyrics
- Flash Back Wallop
Charlie Girl opened in 1965 and played for 2,200 performances. Music by David Heneker and John Taylor. Her real name is Charlotte
Mame focuses on eccentric bohemian Mame Dennis. Music composed by Jerry Herman
Hello, Dolly! is a 1964 musical with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revised and retitled The Matchmaker in 1955. It tells the story of Yonkers matchmaker Dolly Levi
The 1974 Broadway musical Mack & Mabel with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman fictionalized the romance between Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand
La Cage aux Folles is based on the French play of the same name by Jean Poiret. Music by Jerry Herman
Urinetown: The Musical is a satirical comedy musical with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis
Spamalot is a musical adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Eric Idle
Richard Gere played Danny Zuko when the 1971 musical Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey was first performed in London
Aida is a musical by Elton John and Tim Rice based on the Verdi opera. Won four Tony Awards including Best Original Score
The Lion King is based on the Disney film with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice along with the musical score created by Hans Zimmer. The show is produced by Disney Theatrical. The show debuted in the West End's Lyceum Theatre in 1999 and is still running
- Circle of Love
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1995
- Hakuna Matata
Billy Elliot the Musical opened in 2005. Music is by Elton John, and book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film's screenplay
Kander and Ebb were a song writing team consisting of composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Known primarily for their stage musicals. Kander and Ebb also scored several movies including their most famous song, the theme song from Martin Scorsese's New York, New York
Cabaret is a musical by Kander and Ebb set in Berlin during the late-1920s
- Maybe This Time – sung by Sally Bowles
Chicago is a musical by Kander and Ebb set in Prohibition-era Chicago. Principal characters – Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, and Billy Flynn
- All That Jazz
Kiss of the Spider Woman – musical by Kander and Ebb. Based on the Manuel Puig novel
The Scottsboro Boys is a musical by Kander and Ebb with a book by David Thompson. Based on the 1931 trial in Alabama
Show Boat is set on the paddle steamer Cotton Blossom. Music by Jerome Kern and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. Based on a novel by Edna Ferber
- Ol’ Man River
Roberta is a musical by Jerome Kern
- Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes. Music by Harry Krieger
Rent is a rock musical, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme
Man of La Mancha is a musical with a book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh
- The Impossible Dream
Lerner and Loewe were the team of lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe
Camelot by Lerner and Loewe is based on The Once and Future King by TH White
- How to Handle a Woman
Brigadoon by Lerner and Loewe involves two American tourists who stumble upon Brigadoon, a mysterious Scottish village which appears for only one day every hundred years. Tommy, one of the tourists, falls in love with Fiona, a young woman from Brigadoon
- Almost Like Being in Love
My Fair Lady by Lerner and Loewe is a musical based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play Pygmalion
- On the Street Where You Live
- Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?
- With a Little Bit of Luck
- The Rain in Spain
- Get Me to the Church on Time
Paint Your Wagon by Lerner and Loewe is set during the California gold rush
- Wandering Star
- I Talk to the Trees
Gigi by Lerner and Loewe is based on a novel by Colette
- I Remember It Well
- The Night They Invented Champagne
- Thank Heaven for Little Girls
By Jeeves, originally Jeeves, is a 1975/1996 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alan Ayckbourn, based on the novels of P. G. Wodehouse
Jeeves opened in 1975 and closed after 38 performances at Her Majesty's Theatre, London. It is regarded as Andrew Lloyd Webber's only real flop
Tell Me on a Sunday is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Don Black. A one-act song cycle, it tells the story of an ordinary English girl from Muswell Hill, who journeys to the United States in search of love
Cats was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. It introduced the song standard Memory. Cats first opened in the West End in 1981 and then on Broadway in 1982, each time directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Gillian Lynne. The show tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. Original cast included Wayne Sleep and Bonnie Langford. Elaine Paige replaced the injured Judy Dench as Grizabella
- Memory – sung by Grizabella
Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber (music), Richard Stilgoe (lyrics) and Arlene Phillips (choreography). The story follows a child's dream in which his toy train set comes to life; famously the actors perform wearing roller skates. Debuted in West End in 1984
- Uncoupled
- Only You
- Light at the End of the Tunnel
The Phantom of the Opera is an operetta by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux. The music was composed by Lloyd Webber, and most lyrics were written by Charles Hart, with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daae, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius (Erik) who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera. The Phantom of the Opera opened in the West End in 1986 starring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, and was directed and choreographed by Hal Prince and Gillian Lynne
- All I Ask of You
- The Music of the Night
Love Never Dies is a musical with a book and lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera
Aspects of Love – lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Michael Ball replaced Roger Moore before production started. Based on the novella of the same name by David Garnett, the piece focuses on the romantic entanglements of actress Rose Vibert, her admiring fan Alex Dillingham, his underage cousin Jenny, his uncle George, and George's mistress, sculptress Giulietta Trapani, over a period of 17 years
- Love Changes Everything – opening song
Sunset Boulevard is a musical with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Based on the 1950 film of the same title, the plot revolves around Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen era, living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. When young screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally crosses her path, she sees in him an opportunity to make her comeback to the big screen. A controversy arose with Sunset Boulevard after Faye Dunaway was hired to replace Glenn Close. The producers announced that Dunaway was unable to sing the role to their standards and the production would shut down when Close left. Dunaway filed a lawsuit claiming her reputation had been damaged by the producer's claims
- As If We Never Said Goodbye
Whistle Down the Wind was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Jim Steinman
The Wizard of Oz is a 2011 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The role of Dorothy was cast through the reality television show Over the Rainbow, which was won by Danielle Hope
Stephen Ward is a 2013 musical with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Based on the real life events behind the 1963 Profumo Affair
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with lyrics by Tim Rice. The story is based on the ‘coat of many colours’ story of Joseph from the Book of Genesis. This was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly, in 1973. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – with Jason Donovan in the lead, the expanded show was restaged in 1991 at the London Palladium
- Any Dream Will Do
- Close Every Door
Jesus Christ Superstar with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice opened at the Palace Theatre in London in 1972, starring Paul Nicholas as Jesus. The plot centres on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples
Evita with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice focuses on the life of Eva Peron. Julie Covington turned down the part, which was taken by Elaine Paige. Directed by Hal Prince. Evita opened in London's West End in 1978 and on Broadway the following year
- Another Suitcase in Another Hall – was first a hit in the UK for Barbara Dickson
- You Must Love Me
The Likes of Us, the first musical by Lloyd Webber and Rice, was written in 1965 but not performed until 2005
Guys and Dolls is a musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. It is based on The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown and Blood Pressure – two short stories by Damon Runyon. Sarah Brown and Sky Masterson are characters in Guys and Dolls. Miss Adelaide is Nathan Detroit’s fiancé
- Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat
- Luck Be a Lady
How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying is a musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, based on Shepherd Mead's 1952 book of the same name
The Most Happy Fella is a musical by Frank Loesser
- Standing on the Corner
Avenue Q is a coming-of-age parable set in New York conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, who together, wrote the music and lyrics. The cast consists of three human characters and eleven puppet characters who interact as if human, Sesame Street-style. Over 2,500 performances
The Book of Mormon is a religious satire musical with book, lyrics, and music by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. The Book of Mormon tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a remote village in northern Uganda, where a brutal warlord is threatening the local population
Robert Lopez is the youngest person to have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, and the quickest (10 years) to win all four
Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. Hair opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London in 1968. The opening night was delayed until the abolition of theatre censorship in England under the Theatres Act 1968
- Aquarius – opening song
- Good Morning Starshine
Hamilton is a musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, with music, lyrics and book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was inspired to write the musical after reading the biography of Hamilton by Ron Chernow. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and show tunes
In the Heights is a musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Chu Chin Chow is a musical comedy written based on the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. The piece premiered at His Majesty's Theatre in London in 1916 and ran for five years and a total of 2,238 performances. Music by Frederic Norton
Pickwick is a 1963 West End musical based on The Pickwick Papers with music by Cyril Ornadel
- If I Ruled the World
Anything Goes is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter
- I Get a Kick Out of You
- Anything Goes
- You’re the Top
Kiss Me Kate is a musical by Cole Porter. Based on The Taming of the Shrew. Fred and Lilli are the leads in Kiss Me Kate
- I Hate Men
- Brush up your Shakespeare
- Too Darn Hot
High Society is a Cole Porter musical. Based on the Philip Barry play The Philadelphia Story
- Who wants to be a Millionaire?
- Well, Did You Evah!
- True Love
Paris was Cole Porter’s first Broadway hit, in 1928
- Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love
Blondel, a rock opera musical by Tim Rice (book and lyrics) and Stephen Oliver (music), was inspired by, and very loosely based on, the life of the eponymous French troubadour. The play is set during the period of the Third Crusade
Richard Rodgers composed the music and Oscar Hammerstein wrote the lyrics for a string of Broadway musicals
Richard Rodgers was the first person to win an EGOT. He has also won a Pulitzer Prize, making him one of two people (Marvin Hamlisch is the other) to receive each award
Oklahoma! by Rodgers and Hammerstein tells the story of Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry. Based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs
- Oh, What a Beautiful Morning – first song
- I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No – sung by Ado Annie
- People Will Say We're In Love
South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein is set on a South Pacific island during World War II
- Younger Than Springtime
- I’m Going to Wash that Man Right out of my Hair
- There is Nothing Like a Dame
- Bali Ha’i – sung by Bloody Mary
The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein tells the story of Anna, a British schoolteacher who is hired as part of the King of Siam’s drive to modernize his country. Based on a memoir by Anne Leonowens
- Shall we Dance
- Getting to Know You
- March of the Royal Siamese Children
Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein is set in 1915 in a New England fishing village and revolves around Julie Jordan, who falls for volatile fairground barker Billy Bigelow
- June is Bustin' Out All Over
- You’ll Never Walk Alone
- You’re A Queer One, Julie Jordan
The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein is set in Austria on the eve of the Anschluss in 1938. Final musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. There are seven Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music
- Edelweiss – last song that Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote together
Flower Drum Song by Rodgers and Hammerstein is set in San Francisco’s Chinatown
- I Enjoy Being a Girl
State Fair by Rodgers and Hammerstein is an adaptation of the Phil Stong novel of the same name
Richard Rodgers and the lyricist Lorenz Hart worked together on 28 stage musicals and more than 500 songs
The Boys from Syracuse is a musical by Rodgers and Hart. Based on the Shakespeare play The Comedy of Errors
Pal Joey is a musical with a book by John O'Hara and music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The title character, Joey Evans, is a manipulative small-time nightclub performer
- I Could Write a Book
- Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
Babes in Arms is a musical comedy by Rodgers and Hart. Long Island teenagers put on a show for charity
- My Funny Valentine
- The Lady is a Tramp
Sigmund Romberg was a Hungarian-born American composer best known for his musicals and operettas
The Student Prince by Sigmund Romberg was the longest-running Broadway show of the 1920s. The prince is Karl Franz of Karlsberg
The Desert Song by Sigmund Romberg was inspired by the uprising of the Riffs of Morocco against French rule
The New Moon by Sigmund Romberg was ‘Broadway’s last hit operetta’
Blood Brothers – musical written by Willy Russell, based loosely on the 1844 novella The Corsican Brothers by Alexandre Dumas, pere. The story is a contemporary nature vs. nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins who were separated at birth
John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert is a 1974 musical by Willy Russell based on the story of The Beatles
The Fantasticks is a 1960 musical with music by Harvey Schmidt which tells an allegorical story, loosely based on the play The Romancers by Edmond Rostand. The show's original Off-Broadway production ran a total of 42 years and 17,162 performances, making it the world's longest-running musical
Les Miserables opened at the Barbican Centre in London in 1985, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn. Based on the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. It is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his struggle to lead a normal life after serving a prison sentence (prison number 24601) for stealing bread. Longest-running musical in the West End and the second longest-running musical in the world after the original Off-Broadway run of The Fantasticks. Composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg with Libretto by Alain Boublil
- I Dreamed a Dream – sung by Fantine
- Do You Hear the People Sing?
- One Day More
- Bring Him Home
Miss Saigon is a modern adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil and similarly tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. The setting of the plot is relocated to the 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War. In the London production of Miss Saigon, Lea Salonga originally starred as Kim, with Jonathan Pryce as the Engineer. When the production transferred from London to New York City, the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) refused to allow Pryce, a white actor, to recreate the role of the Eurasian pimp in America. Producer Cameron Mackintosh threatened to cancel the show
Martin Guerre is a musical with a book by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil. Based on a a French peasant of the 16th century, was at the centre of a famous case of imposture. Set at the time of the Massacre of St. Bartholomew
Oh! Calcutta! is an avant-garde theatrical revue, created by Kenneth Tynan. The show, consisting of sketches on sex-related topics, debuted Off-Broadway in 1969 and then in London in 1970. It ran in London for over 3900 performances. Revivals enjoyed even longer runs, including a Broadway revival that ran for 5959 performances, making the show the longest-running revue in Broadway history. The title is taken from a painting by Clovis Trouille, itself a pun on ‘O quel cul t'as!’ French for ‘What an arse you have’. Music by Peter Schickele (the creator of PDQ Bach), Robert Dennis, and Stanley Walden
Wicked is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is based on the Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, a parallel novel of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Wicked tells the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda the Good
- Defying Gravity – signature song
Godspell is a 1971 musical by Stephen Schwartz. It is structured as a series of parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew. David Essex starred in the first London production
Michael Ball played Caractacus Potts in the stage premiere of the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The music and lyrics were written by Richard and Robert Sherman
Mary Poppins is a musical with music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers and a script by Julian Fellowes. Opened in 2004
Salad Days is a musical with music by Julian Slade and lyrics by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. The musical was initially performed in the UK in Bristol and then in the West End, running for 2,283 performances. The title is taken from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Longest-running show in musical theatre history until overtaken by My Fair Lady in the U.S. (1956) and Oliver! in the U.K. (1960)
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a musical set in ancient Rome with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
A Little Night Music is a musical by Stephen Sondheim inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night
- Send in the Clowns
Sunday in the Park with George is a musical by Stephen Sondheim inspired by George Seurat
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (often referred to simply as Sweeney Todd) is a 1979 musical by Stephen Sondheim
Company is a concept musical by Stephen Sondheim based around a single, married couples who are his best friends, and his girlfriends
- The Ladies who Lunch
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales
Pacific Overtures is a musical written by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. The show is set in 1853 Japan when Commodore Perry arrives, and follows the difficult Westernization of Japan, told from the point of view of the Japanese
Assassins by Stephen Sondheim uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who attempted (successfully or not) to assassinate Presidents of the USA
Follies by Stephen Sondheim concerns a reunion in a crumbling Broadway theatre, scheduled for demolition, of the past performers of the "Weismann's Follies"
Betty Blue Eyes is a musical by George Stiles with the story is based on the Alan Bennett screenplay, A Private Function, and set during a celebration of the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip
Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse
- Tomorrow
- It’s the Hard Knock Life
Funny Girl is based on the career of Fanny Brice and starred Barbra Streisand. Music by Jule Styne
- I’m the Greatest Star
- People
- Don’t Rain on My Parade
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a musical with a book by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos, lyrics by Leo Robin, and music by Jule Styne, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Loos. The story involves an American woman's voyage to Paris to perform in a nightclub
- Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Gypsy is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and focuses on her mother, Rose. Music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
- Everything’s Coming up Roses
Jerry Springer: The Opera is a British musical written by Richard Thomas and Stewart Lee. The musical ran for 609 performances in London from 2003 to 2005
42nd Street is a musical with a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the subsequent 1933 film adaptation, it focuses on the efforts of famed dictatorial Great White Way director Julian Marsh to mount a successful stage production of a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression. Peggy Sawyer is the chorus girl
- We’re in the Money
- Lullaby of Broadway
The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. 110 cornets marched after 76 trombones in the big parade
- Seventy-six Trombones
The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a musical with music and lyrics by Meredith Willson. The plot is a fictionalized account of the life of Margaret Brown, who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic
The Boy Friend is a musical by Sandy Wilson. First British musical to transfer to Broadway. The musical's original 1954 London production ran for 2,078 performances. Set in the carefree world of the French Riviera in the Roaring Twenties, The Boy Friend is a comic pastiche of 1920s shows. Ken Russell’s film version of the show starred Twiggy
No, No, Nanette is a musical comedy with lyrics by Irving Caesar and Otto Harbach and music by Vincent Youmans
- Tea for Two
- I Want to Be Happy
Oh! What a Lovely War! was created by Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop created in 1963. It is based on The Donkeys by military historian Alan Clark and is a satire on World War I. Music by various artists
Return to the Forbidden Planet is a jukebox musical by Bob Carlton based on The Tempest. Music by various artists
List of longest-running Broadway shows (as of March 2020) – 1st The Phantom of the Opera (13,370 performances), 2nd Chicago (9.692), 3rd The Lion King (9,302), 4th Cats (7,485), 5th Wicked (6,836)
List of longest-running West End musicals (as of March 2020) – 1st Les Miserables (13,964), 2nd The Phantom of the Opera (13,629), 3rd Blood Brothers (10,013), 4th Cats (8,949), 5th Mamma Mia! (8,498)
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, based on the songs of ABBA. It was the brainchild of producer Judy Craymer. Phyllida Lloyd directed the musical and also the film adaptation
Man of La Mancha is a musical with a book by Dale Wasserman, lyrics by Joe Darion and music by Mitch Leigh
The Impossible Dream is a song from Man of La Mancha
Mary Poppins is a musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Brothers and a script by Julian Fellowes. Opened in 2004
Me and My Girl features music by Noel Gay. The musical had a successful original run on the West End in 1937 and very successful revivals in both London (starring Robert Lindsay) and New York in the 1980s. Includes The Lambeth Walk and With a Little Bit of Luck
No, No, Nanette is a musical comedy with lyrics by Irving Caesar and Otto Harbach. Includes the songs Tea for Two and I Want to Be Happy
Oh! Calcutta! is an avant-garde theatrical revue, created by Kenneth Tynan. The show, consisting of sketches on sex-related topics, debuted Off-Broadway in 1969 and then in London in 1970. It ran in London for over 3900 performances. Revivals enjoyed even longer runs, including a Broadway revival that ran for 5959 performances, making the show the longest-running revue in Broadway history. The title is taken from a painting by Clovis Trouille, itself a pun on ‘O quel cul t'as!’ French for ‘What an arse you have’
Oh! What a Lovely War! Ws created by Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop created in 1963. It is based on The Donkeys by military historian Alan Clark and is a satire on World War I
Oscar Wilde: The Musical was written and directed by Mike Read closed after one night in 2004
If I Ruled the World was originally from the 1963 West End musical Pickwick (based on The Pickwick Papers)
Postcards from God is a musical based on the life of Sister Wendy Beckett
The Pyjama Game is a musical based on the novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell. It features a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The story deals with labour troubles in a pyjama factory, where worker demands for a 7 ½ cent raise are going unheeded
Rent is a rock musical, with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La Boheme
Return to the Forbidden Planet is a jukebox musical by Bob Carlton based on The Tempest
Salad Days is a musical with music by Julian Slade and lyrics by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. The musical was initially performed in the UK in Bristol and then in the West End, running for 2,283 performances. The title is taken from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Longest-running show in musical theatre history until overtaken by My Fair Lady in the U.S. (1956) and Oliver! in the U.K. (1960)
Scarlett – musical based on Gone with the Wind
Spamalot – Eric Idle’s musical adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is a 2011 ‘circus, rock and roll, drama’ with music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge
Stop the World – I Want to Get Off is a musical with a book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Sweet Charity is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It is based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria
Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, The Rhythm Of Life – from Sweet Charity
Time is a musical by Dave Clark. Starred Cliff Richard, who was replaced by David Cassidy
Tom Foolery is a musical revue based on the lyrics and music of Tom Lehrer. Devised and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, it premiered in London at the Criterion Theatre in 1980, where it had a successful run
Urinetown: The Musical is a satirical comedy musical with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis
Billy is a musical based on the novel and play Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall. The book was written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the music is by John Barry, and the lyrics are by Don Black. The cast starred Michael Crawford in the title role
Sunshine on Leith is a stage musical featuring the songs of The Proclaimers
Dreamgirls is a Broadway musical based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes
List of longest-running Broadway shows (as of March 2020) – 1st The Phantom of the Opera (13,370 performances), 2nd Chicago (9.692), 3rd The Lion King (9,302), 4th Cats (7,485), 5th Wicked (6,836)
List of longest-running West End musicals (as of March 2020) – 1st Les Miserables (13,964), 2nd The Phantom of the Opera (13,629), 3rd Blood Brothers (10,013), 4th Cats (8,949), 5th Mamma Mia! (8,498)
