Whether you’re a seasoned theatre company or just dipping your toes into the world of musicals, these productions offer something special for audiences of all ages. They’re stories with varied cast sizes that can be produced at any scale—from simple rehearsal cubes to extravagant set pieces. Each show on this list promises toe-tapping tunes, heartwarming stories, and unforgettable moments that will enchant any theatre lover. So, gather your cast, cue the orchestra, and get ready to embark on a musical journey that will leave everyone singing and smiling long after the final curtain call.
Denny the Dinosaur; book by Florence Milazzo, music and lyrics by AnnMarie Milazzo and Adam Wachter
Denny is your average Tyrannosaurus Rex in all ways except one: his less-than-average size! School bully Marcus teases him because of his differences, but when the class turns to Denny to save the day, he learns it’s the deeds he does that make him strong. A prehistoric musical that celebrates the unique strengths in us all!
Roles: 4M, 3W
Little House on the Prairie; book by Rachel Sheinkin, music by Rachel Portman, lyrics by Donna Di Novelli
This heartwarming musical follows the Ingalls family’s journey westward and settlement in De Smet, South Dakota where Ma and Pa Ingalls hope to make a better life for their children. It tells the story of their struggle to keep their land claim. In story, song, and dance, we see the Ingalls weathering the hardships of winter blizzards and prairie fires as well as rejoicing in the settlement of land and town. Most of all, the story follows Laura as she grows from a wild child who loves to run free into a woman who embraces the responsibilities of her own future while struggling to remain true to herself.
Roles: 13W, 10M + Ensemble
The Mountain Song by PigPen Theatre Co.
The Mountain Song is the tale of a carpenter who climbs mountains and traverses rivers in order to attend his daughter’s wedding – without a clue as to where it’s taking place.
Roles: 6-15 Any
The Old Man and The Old Moon by PigPen Theatre Co.
The Old Man has kept his post as the sole caretaker of the moon for as long as he (or his wife, the Old Woman) can remember. When she is drawn away by a mysterious melody that sparks memories of their shared past, the Old Man must decide between duty (and routine) and love (and adventure). Luckily for audiences everywhere, he chooses the latter, and what follows is an imaginative sea-faring epic, encompassing apocalyptic storms, civil wars, leviathans of the deep, and cantankerous ghosts, as well as the fiercest obstacle of all: change.
Roles: 7-26 Any
Peace, Love and Cupcakes: The Musical; book, music, and lyrics by Rick Hip-Flores
Based on the bestselling children’s book series, Kylie Carson has a big problem: she’s different. And different isn’t necessarily a good thing in 7th grade. She loves vampires, zombies, and all things pertaining to monster movies–one of the many reasons why kids at her new school avoid her like the Creature from the Black Lagoon. To sweeten up her image–and find a place where she belongs–Kylie starts a cupcake club (Peace, Love & Cupcakes), attended by three other socially invisible girls. Together, they forge a powerful friendship, figure out how to create crowd-pleasing cupcakes, and become a booming baking business that would make Martha Stewart envious. But when Meredith Mitchell, Blakely Middle School’s resident Queen Bee, tries to sabotage their efforts, will Kylie have the courage to stand up to the bully and bring the school together? A musical that celebrates kid power, friendship, and standing up for who you are and what you believe in.
Roles: 5W, 1M (Flexible) + Ensemble
Peter Pan and Wendy: A Musical; music by Steve Goers, book and lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli
This panto-style re-imagining of J.M. Barrie’s classic book focuses on Wendy’s transition from a child to a responsible young lady — with plenty of adventure in between! When Wendy refuses to leave the nursery and sleep downstairs, her mother gives her a mysterious box containing Peter Pan’s shadow. Unable to resist, Wendy opens it, Peter arrives, and they’re off to Neverland! But even there, Wendy must learn what it means to grow up. Full of enchanting music and beloved characters, this fast-paced adaptation of Barrie’s Peter and Wendy is a treat for children of any age.
Roles: 5M, 2W
A Peter Rabit Tale; book by Sarah Brandt, music and lyrics by Neal Richardson
Peter Rabbit doesn’t think life as a rabbit is all it’s cracked up to be in this spirited children’s musical. His mother is always making him do chores, and Peter’s had just about all he can take of his goody two-shoes twin sisters. After being picked on for the last time, Peter decides to run away from home and find a better place to live — somewhere he can be in charge, do whatever he wants, and be free of responsibility. But as Peter struggles to live with other animals, from feisty squirrels to sewing mice, he begins to realize his life at home might not have been so bad after all.
Roles: 2W, 2M
The Snow Queen; book and lyrics by Kirsten Brandt and Rick Lombardo, music and lyrics by Haddon Kime
Be spirited away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit movie Frozen. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace. Dare to enter a world where flowers sing, animals talk, and riddles yearn to be solved. With an original pop-rock score, alluring ballads, urban steampunk flair, and the enigmatic Snow Queen, you’ll soon see this is not your average bedtime story.
Roles: 5W, 4M
Stellaluna; book and lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli, music by Steve Goers
Stellaluna the bat, Verdi the snake, and Pinduli the hyena all seek refreshment at a watering hole one hot day, only to find themselves the subjects of a bullying lion’s ridicule. But by sharing stories about building self-confidence, these three misfit animals find wisdom, peace, and friendship. Based on the popular books by Janell Cannon, this delightful musical is a treat for both children and adults.
Roles: 4W, 2M
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!; book and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric, music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush
There are two sides to every story, and when the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big ‘n’ Bad in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book.
Roles: 4W, 1M
