When introducing young audiences to the magic of theatre, short musicals are the perfect gateway. These bite-sized performances pack exciting storytelling into a runtime ideal for shorter attention spans. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom-friendly shows or a parent seeking entertainment that will spark imagination, this list of musicals for young audiences offers a delightful mix of creativity and fun, ensuring that young theatergoers leave with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical (60-Minute Edition) Book by Kevin del Aguila, Music & Lyrics by Michael Mahler & Alan Schmuckler, Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Book Series by Jeff Kinney and 20th Century Studios
Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way.
Jeff Kinney’s popular character takes center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical. Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who actually survived middle school. A full version of this show is also available.
The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-Off Book, Music & Lyrics by Rick Hip-Flores
This show combines the time-honored tradition of Christmas cookies with the ever-popular phenomenon of reality baking competitions. In this musical, eight young cookie chefs have been selected from all over the country to battle it out for first prize at the Cookie Coliseum. Just as no two cookies are the same, each contestant reveals their unique personality through song. Suspense mounts as the chefs are eliminated one by one, by three distinguished celebrity judges. Over the course of the competition, feelings of intense rivalry give way to virtues of charity, family, and forgiveness, as the chefs learn what really makes for a winning Christmas recipe.
Heroes Like Me Book by The Miracle Project, Lyrics & Music by Zachary Marsh, Script Adaptation by Ryan Berman & Shelley Pack with Elaine Hall “Coach E”, The Miracle Project, a theatre and film program for all abilities created by Elaine Hall “Coach E”
AnyTown, U.S.A. needs a hero! When called upon by the townspeople, the Super Heroes are eager to help. From litter to bullying to technology addiction, the Super Heroes take pride in their work of snuffing out the bad and replacing it with the good.
Using stories from real life participants with autism and other disabilities, this new musical is adaptable, great for actors as young as 8 up through adults, and geared for audiences in elementary and middle school. Heroes Like Me lets you tell the story of your town and open your eyes, your hearts and maybe unlock your own super powers!
Miley Chase The Science Ace Music and Lyrics by Dylan MarcAurele, Book by Mike Ross, Story by Larry Little
While calculating the exact date the asteroid hit the earth and destroyed the dinosaurs, 10-year-old science whiz Miley Chase accidentally discovers the secret to time travel. She’s putting the finishing touches on her time machine when her nemesis Tyler, the snotty, spoiled next-door neighbor, arrives to gloat over his win at the science fair. Despite Miley’s warnings, Tyler gets a little too curious about the machine—and accidentally sends them both to prehistoric times.
They’ve arrived, according to Miley’s calculations, on the same day that the asteroid is about to hit the earth. Their biggest problem: the time machine is badly damaged from the crash landing. It is up to Miley and Tyler to work together to avoid being dinosaur dinner and fix the time machine before the asteroid hits. Using their resourcefulness to build new parts for their ship, the two learn they can accomplish anything if they really try, and that an open and inquisitive mind can turn old enemies—and even long-extinct carnivores—into new friends.
The Mountain Song Book, Music, and Lyrics 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.
The Nightmare Story Book, Music, and Lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co.
The Nightmare Story is the tale of a boy who ventures into the unknown to find a cure for his mother’s rare disease… before it’s too late.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical Book by Melvin Tunstall III, Music by Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, Lyrics by Douglas Lyons
The plot follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. Inspired by the events of The Little Rock 9, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for children, reminding them that our individual differences make us awesome, not outcasts.
The Snow Queen (TYA Edition) Book by Kirsten Brandt and Rick Lombardo, Music by Haddon Kime, Lyrics by Kirsten Brandt, Haddon Kime & Rick Lombardo, Additional Music by Rick Lombardo
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. A full version of this show is also available.
Stellaluna Book & Lyrics by Allyn Cardarelli, Music by Steve Goers, Based upon the works of Janell Cannon
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.
