14 Musicals Set in the Future – The Full List
Whether you’re auditioning for musicals, setting up your rep book, or simply looking for some new musicals to get into, it’s good to get familiar with what’s out there. And that’s why we’ve put together this list for you! Here’s the full list of musicals set in the future.
The following list is broken down into two categories – “Musicals Set in the Future” and “Musicals Set in the Near Future”. Each category is sorted alphabetically.
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Musicals Set in the Future
Music/Lyrics/Book: Jim Steinman
Musical Type: Contemporary (2017)
When It’s Set: The Future
Music: Charles Strouse Lyrics/Book: Alan Jay Lerner
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1983)
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: Pre-Contemporary (1983)
When It’s Set: The Future
Music/Lyrics/Book: Paul Shapera
Musical Type: Contemporary (2012)
When It’s Set: The Future
Music/Lyrics: Matt Sax Lyrics/Book: Eric Rosen
Musical Type: Contemporary (2010)
When It’s Set: The Future
Music/Lyrics: Queen Book: Ben Elton
Musical Type: Contemporary (2002)
When It’s Set: The Future
Music: Alan Menken Lyrics: David Spencer Book: Alan Brennert
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (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.
Music/Lyrics: Joe Iconis Book: Joe Tracz
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
When It’s Set: “The Present”
Music/Lyrics/Book: Chris Miller, Nathan Tysen
Musical Type: Contemporary (2020)
When It’s Set: “The Present”
Music/Lyrics: David Bowie Book: Enda Walsh
Musical Type: Contemporary (2015)
When It’s Set: N/A
Music/Lyrics/Book: Barry Keating Book: Stuart Ross
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1987)
When It’s Set: “The Present”
Music/Lyrics/Book: Richard O’Brien
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1973)
When It’s Set: N/A
Music/Lyrics: Mark Hollmann Lyrics/Book: Greg Kotis
Musical Type: Contemporary (2001)
When It’s Set: N/A
More Musicals by Setting
• Musicals Set in the Future → You are here!
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Which of these musicals set in the future is your favorite?
Or have you ever played a role in any of the above musicals set in the future? Feel free to share in the comments! 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.