20 Mega Musicals You Should Know – The Full List
Mega musicals are extravagant, high-budget productions that use advanced technology, elaborate sets, and large casts to create unforgettable theatrical experiences. These musicals are also unique in that they prove to be incredibly profitable global franchises. In the list below, you’ll find a full alphabetical list of mega musicals that have been leaving their mark on stages around the world.
By the way, large scale mega musicals began to emerge between the 1980s-1990s, which is why you’ll only find shows that premiered during or after the 1980s listed below! However, it’s worth noting that earlier productions like Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Chicago, and Joseph all played a significant role in laying the groundwork for the genre.
All of the musicals listed below share the following characteristics:
✔ Among the highest-grossing musical theatre productions
✔ Ran internationally and reached global success
✔ Premiered during or after the 1980s
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The Mega Musicals
Music: Alan Menken Lyrics/Book: Chad Beguelin Lyrics: Tim Rice, Howard Ashman
Musical Type: 1992 Film/Contemporary Musical (2011)
Cast Size: 20+
Music: Alan Menken Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice Book: Linda Woolverton
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1994)
Cast Size: 20+
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: T.S. Eliot, Trevor Nunn, Richard Stilgoe
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1981)
Cast Size: 20+
Music/Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul Book: Steven Levenson
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
Cast Size: 17+
Music/Lyrics: Robert Lopez, Kristen Anderson-Lopez Book: Jennifer Lee
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
Cast Size: 20+
Music/Lyrics: Marc Shaiman Lyrics: Scott Wittman Book: Mark O’Donnell, Thomas Meehan
Musical Type: Contemporary (2002)
Cast Size: 15+
Music/Lyrics/Book: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
Cast Size: 13+
Music: Bob Gaudio Lyrics: Bob Crewe Book: Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice
Musical Type: Contemporary/Jukebox (2004)
Cast Size: 12+
Music/Lyrics: Cyndi Lauper Book: Harvey Fierstein
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
Cast Size: 15+
Music/Lyrics: Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics: Alan Boublil, Herbert Kretzmer, Jean-Marc Natel
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1980)
Cast Size: 30+
Music/Lyrics: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus Book: Catherine Johnson
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary/Jukebox (1999)
Cast Size: 15+
Music/Lyrics: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe Book: Julian Fellowes
Musical Type: 1964 Film/Contemporary Musical (2004)
Cast Size: 20+
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics: Alain Boublil, Richard Maltby, Jr.
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1989)
Cast Size: 15+
Music/Lyrics/Book: Jonathan Larson
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1996)
Cast Size: 13+
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alistair Lloyd Webber Lyrics: Richard Stilgoe, David Yazbek, Nick Coler
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1984)
Cast Size: 25+
Music/Lyrics/Book: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone
Musical Type: Contemporary (2011)
Cast Size: 20+
Music: Elton John Lyrics: Tim Rice Book: Rodger Allers, Irene Mecchi
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1997)
Cast Size: 20+
Music/Book: Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics: Charles Hart Lyrics/Book: Richard Stilgoe
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1986)
Cast Size: 25+
Music/Lyrics/Book: Mel Brooks Book: Thomas Meehan
Musical Type: 1967 Film/Contemporary Musical (2001)
Cast Size: 15+
Music/Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz Book: Winnie Holzman
Musical Type: Contemporary (2003)
Cast Size: 20+
Other blog posts you might like:
• Musicals About New York City
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Which of these mega musicals is your favorite?
Or have you ever played a role in any of the above megamusicals? 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.