Musicals Set in the Future

The following list features stage musicals set in the future, including works set in the near future or a speculative present. Additional musical lists are available in the musical database.

Musicals Set in the Future

Bat Out of Hell

Music/Lyrics/Book: Jim Steinman

Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)

When It’s Set: The Future

Dance a Little Closer

Music: Charles Strouse Lyrics/Book: Alan Jay Lerner

Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1983)

When It’s Set: The Future

Maybe Happy Ending

Music/Book: Will Aronson Lyrics/Book: Hue Park

Musical Type: Contemporary (2016)

When It’s Set: The Future

Rags Parkland Sings the Songs of the Future

Music/Lyrics/Book: Andrew R. Butler

Musical Type: Contemporary (2018)

When It’s Set: The Future

Return to the Forbidden Planet

Music/Lyrics: Various Book: Bob Carlton

Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1983)

When It’s Set: The Future

The Dolls of New Albion

Music/Lyrics/Book: Paul Shapera

Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)

When It’s Set: The Future

Venice

Music/Lyrics: Matt Sax Lyrics/Book: Eric Rosen

Musical Type: Contemporary (2010)

When It’s Set: The Future

We Will Rock You

Music/Lyrics: Queen Book: Ben Elton

Musical Type: Contemporary (2002)

When It’s Set: The Future

Weird Romance

Music: Alan Menken Lyrics: David Spencer Book: Alan Brennert

Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1992)

When It’s Set: The Future

Musicals Set in the Near Future

The following musicals are set in the present or a different, often unstated time period, but their plots imply a setting that is reminiscent of the near future.

Be More Chill

Music/Lyrics: Joe Iconis Book: Joe Tracz

Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)

When It’s Set: “The Present”

Dreamland

Music/Lyrics/Book: Chris Miller, Nathan Tysen

Musical Type: Contemporary (2020)

When It’s Set: “The Present”

Lazarus

Music/Lyrics: David Bowie Book: Enda Walsh

Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)

When It’s Set: “The Present”