14 Uniquely Interactive Musicals – The Full List
If you’re looking for an immersive musical theatre experience—whether to audition for or enjoy as an audience member—look no further! Interactive musicals give the audience a chance to participate in the show, sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. Here’s the full list of interactive musicals, sorted alphabetically and noting the level of audience participation.
If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, here’s where you can find a full list of musicals that break the fourth wall, without necessarily requiring audience interaction.
Interactive Musicals
Low Interaction Level: Actors may hand out props, like an instrument or a sign, for the audience to use or hold up at specific moments during the show.
Medium Interaction Level: Actors may step into the audience to speak directly to someone, or the audience might be invited to participate in a group action.
High Interaction Level: Audience members may have the chance to speak aloud, dance, stand up, or even go up on stage—sometimes multiple times throughout the show.
Music/Lyrics: Gary Adler, Michael Patrick Walker Book: Kevin Del Aguila
Musical Type: Contemporary (2004)
Level of Interaction: High
Music/Lyrics: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx Book: Jeff Whitty
Musical Type: Contemporary (2003)
Level of Interaction: Low
Music/Lyrics/Book: George Reinblatt Music: Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris
Musical Type: Contemporary (2003)
Level of Interaction: High
Music: Galt MacDermot Lyrics/Book: Gerome Ragni, James Rado
Musical Type: Post-Golden Age (1967)
Level of Interaction: Medium
Music: Fatboy Slim Music/Lyrics: David Byrne
Musical Type: Contemporary (2013)
Level of Interaction: High
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Music/Lyrics/Book: Dave Malloy
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Level of Interaction: Low
Music/Lyrics/Book: Dan Goggin
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1985)
Level of Interaction: Medium
Music/Lyrics/Book: Dan Goggin
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1985)
Level of Interaction: Medium
Music: Moose Charlap, Jule Styne Lyrics: Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, Adolph Green Book: J.M. Barrie
Musical Type: Golden Age (1954)
Level of Interaction: Low
Music: John Du Prez Music/Lyrics/Book: Eric Idle
Musical Type: Contemporary (2004)
Level of Interaction: Medium
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music/Lyrics: William Finn Book: Rachel Sheinkin
Musical Type: Contemporary (2005)
Level of Interaction: High
Music/Lyrics/Book: Rupert Holmes
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1985)
Level of Interaction: Medium
Music/Lyrics/Book: Richard O’Brien
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1973)
Level of Interaction: High
Music/Lyrics/Book: Jeff Blim Book: Matt Lang, Nick Lang
Musical Type: Contemporary (2014)
Level of Interaction: Medium
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Which of these interactive musicals is your favorite?
Or have you ever played a role in any of the above interactive musicals? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you enjoy exploring these lists, check out the musical database, where you can discover musicals organized by composer, theme, setting, and much 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 and a TESOL drama certificate, with experience working and interning in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.