A Complete List of Broadway Musicals Adapted For The Spring Season

The vibrant pulse of Broadway’s spring season reverberates with the arrival of a multitude of highly-anticipated shows, each promising to captivate audiences with its unique blend of spectacle, emotion, and artistry. Among these theatrical gems are Alicia Keys’ electrifying new production, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, alongside the triumphant return of beloved classics like ‘Cabaret’ and The Who’s iconic rock musical, ‘Tommy’.

Yet, amidst the excitement and anticipation surrounding these marquee performances, a distinct passion emerges—one that beckons to those who relish the simple pleasure of immersing themselves in the pages of a captivating book.

The Notebook

With melodies and lyrics crafted by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, the musical boasts a stellar cast, led by Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza portraying the youthful incarnations of Allie and Noah, while Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez embody the characters in their middle years. Additionally, Maryann Plunkett and Dorian Harewood deliver poignant performances as the elder versions of Allie and Noah, bringing depth and resonance to their portrayals across the generations.

Water for Elephants

Derived from Sara Gruen’s acclaimed bestselling novel of 2006, the musical adaptation delves into the captivating narrative of a young man thrust into the enchanting realm of a nomadic circus troupe. This beloved novel was previously brought to life on the silver screen in 2011, featuring the talents of Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon.

Now, under the direction of Jessica Stone, known for her work in ‘Kimberly Akimbo’, the musical takes centre stage with Grant Gustin, renowned for his roles in ‘Glee’ and ‘The Flash’, portraying the protagonist Jacob Jankowski. Alongside him, Isabelle McCalla steps into the role of Marlena, infusing the character with depth and resonance.

The Outsiders

Over the years, it has found itself both lauded for its insight and challenged for its content within educational settings. Moreover, its narrative was immortalised on the silver screen in the 1983 film adaptation, helmed by the esteemed Francis Ford Coppola and featuring a stellar cast including Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez.

Now, this timeless tale takes on new life in the form of a musical adaptation, with Brody Grant and Sky Lakota-Lynch stepping into the roles of Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade respectively, bringing fresh energy and emotion to these iconic characters.

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 masterpiece, chronicling the extravagant life of millionaire Jay Gatsby amidst the opulent landscapes of Long Island, has solidified its place as essential reading in school curricula for generations. Its enduring relevance and timeless themes have prompted numerous adaptations over the decades since its initial publication. Among the most notable adaptations is the acclaimed 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann, featuring an all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan.

With Luhrmann’s signature style and DiCaprio’s mesmerising portrayal of Gatsby, the film captured the essence of Fitzgerald’s novel while bringing its timeless tale of love, ambition, and disillusionment to a new generation of audiences.

The Wiz

After a successful national tour last year, the cherished musical is poised to make a triumphant return to Broadway. ‘The Wiz’, renowned for its groundbreaking all-Black cast, made its original Broadway debut in 1975, captivating audiences and critics alike with its innovative storytelling and unforgettable music. The production went on to sweep the Tony Awards that year, earning accolades including the prestigious title of Best Musical.

Following its stage success, ‘The Wiz’ transitioned to the silver screen with a star-studded film adaptation released in 1978. Starring the iconic Diana Ross and the legendary Michael Jackson, the film brought the vibrant world of Oz to life for audiences around the globe, further solidifying the musical’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

Wicked

Loosely inspired by Gregory Maguire’s acclaimed 1995 novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,’ the musical weaves a spellbinding narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, identity and destiny. Building upon the rich tapestry of L. Frank Baum’s beloved novel, ‘Wicked’ offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters, inviting audiences to reconsider the nature of good and evil.

-Sushmita Sarkar