15+ Epic Musicals – The Full List of Shows
Epic musicals are known for their sweeping narratives and larger-than-life plot lines, often tackling big themes like revolution, war, and personal sacrifice. Below, you’ll find a full list of the most iconic epic musicals to date, sorted alphabetically.
For reference here are some key characteristics of epic musicals:
- Large-scale narratives that often span generations or political movements
- Themes of revolution, war, societal change, or personal sacrifice
- Storylines that aim to make the audience think critically
You can learn more about epic musicals at the bottom of the page.
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Epic Musicals
Music/Lyrics/Book: Jay Kuo Book: Marc Acito, Lorenzo Thione
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Genre: Drama
Music: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus Lyrics: Tim Rice Book: Richard Nelson
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1984)
Genre: Drama
Music: Lucy Simon Lyrics: Michael Korie, Amy Powers Book: Michael Weller
Musical Type: Contemporary (2011)
Genre: Drama
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: Tim Rice
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1976)
Genre: Semi-Biography
Music/Lyrics/Book: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
Genre: Biography
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: Tim Rice
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1970)
Genre: Religious Drama
Music/Lyrics: Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics: Alan Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer, Jean-Marc Natel
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1980)
Genre: Drama
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics: Alain Boublil, Richard Maltby, Jr.
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1989)
Genre: Drama
Music/Lyrics: Various Book: Joan Littlewood & Theatre Workshop
Musical Type: Post-Golden Age (1963)
Genre: Satire
Music: Stephen Flaherty Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens Book: Terrence McNally
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1996)
Genre: Drama
Music: Jerome Kern Lyrics/Book: Oscar Hammerstein II
Musical Type: Jazz Age (1927)
Genre: Drama
Music/Lyrics/Book: Shaina Taub
Musical Type: Contemporary (2022)
Genre: Historical
Music/Lyrics/Book: Paul Shapera
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Genre: Science Fiction
Music: Elton John Lyrics: Tim Rice Book: Rodger Allers, Irene Mecchi
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1997)
Genre: Dramedy
Music/Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz Book: Philip LaZebnik
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
Genre: Religious Drama
The Rothschilds / Rothschild & Sons
Music: Jerry Bock Lyrics: Sheldon Harnick Book: Sherman Yellen
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1970)
Genre: Drama
Key Questions:
What is the origin of epic musicals?
Epic theatre was a form pioneered by Bertolt Brecht in the early 20th century. Brecht’s goal was to create theatre that would keep the audience actively thinking about the societal and political themes being presented.
As outlined in Studying Musical Theatre➝ by Millie Taylor and Dominic Symonds, epic theatre sought to “keep its audience alert and critically engaged; [it] presented stories about people affected by their situations, and [it] emphasized how lives could be changed through cause and effect” (Taylor & Symonds, 2014, p. 56).
Brecht’s influence extended to musical theatre, inspiring large-scale productions that tackle social and political issues while challenging the audience to think and reflect.
Are there other types of epic musicals?
If we broaden our interpretation to align with the modern colloquial use of the term “epic,” we might classify musicals that are impressive or remarkable in some way as epic as well.
For example, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark could be categorized as an epic musical under this definition, given its ambitious staging, special effects, and larger-than-life production values. Yet, this approach to defining epic musicals introduces a degree of subjectivity, as what one person finds impressive might differ from another’s perspective.
What is Epic: The Musical and how does it fit into the genre of epic musicals?
Epic: The Musical is a series of concept albums created by Jorge Rivera-Herrans➝, with its development documented on his TikTok. This multi-saga concept musical offers a fresh take on Homer’s Odyssey, presenting a modern interpretation of the epic musical genre. However, you won’t find it listed in Theatre Trip’s database, as hasn’t yet been staged.
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Which of these epic musicals is your favorite?
Or have you ever played a role in any of the above epic musicals? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you like these types of lists, check out the musical database. That’s where you’ll find musicals sorted by composer, theme, setting, and more!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.