18 Interactive Musicals with Audience Participation
These interactive musicals invite the audience into the performance, whether through small moments of participation or a major role in how the show unfolds. The list includes stage works that break the fourth wall, ask for audience input, or generally make viewers a part of the experience.
Audience Interaction Levels:
Low: 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: Actors may step into the audience to speak directly to someone, or the audience might be invited to participate in a group action, like cheering, clapping, or dancing.
High: Audience members may have the chance to speak aloud, dance, stand up, or even go up on stage throughout the show.
Interactive Musicals
Musical Type: Contemporary (2004)
Creators: Gary Adler, Michael Patrick Walker, and Kevin Del Aguila
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Contemporary (2003)
Creators: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx, and Jeff Whitty
Level of Interaction: Low
Musical Type: Contemporary (2003)
Creators: George Reinblatt, Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, and Melissa Morris
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1990)
Creators: Louis Jordan and Clarke Peters
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Post-Golden Age (1967)
Creators: Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, and James Rado
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Contemporary (2013)
Creators: David Byrne and Fatboy Slim
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Contemporary (2025)
Creators: Warren Leight, Isaac Oliver, and Others
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Creators: Dave Malloy
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1985)
Creators: Dan Goggin
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1992)
Creators: Dan Goggin
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Golden Age (1954)
Creators: Moose Charlap, Jule Styne, Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and J.M. Barrie
Level of Interaction: Low
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
Creators: Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
Level of Interaction: Low
Musical Type: Contemporary (2004)
Creators: John Du Prez and Eric Idle
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Contemporary (2005)
Creators: William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
Creators: Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, and Others
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1985)
Creators: Rupert Holmes
Level of Interaction: Medium
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1973)
Creators: Richard O’Brien
Level of Interaction: High
Musical Type: Contemporary (2014)
Creators: Jeff Blim, Matt Lang, and Nick Lang
Level of Interaction: Medium