Broadway Musicals by the Book:
5 Children’s and YA Stories Adapted to (and from) the Stage

by Tom Blunt

“Hamilton” fever continues to hold our nation in its grip, reaching even kids who might normally turn up their noses at the suggestion of listening to a Broadway soundtrack — let alone camping out to buy tickets. While “Hamilton” is bound to scoop up more Tony Awards this year than its competitor “School of Rock,” both shows reflect the theatrical community’s continued interest in appealing to children of all ages especially those bright, inquisitive, and imaginative ones who are excited to see a bunch of grown-ups play-acting. Remember, theater is our original “3-D” medium for storytelling!

It turns out there’s more to kid-friendly Broadway than the many Disney adaptations like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.” Enjoyably familiar as those musicals might be, other Broadway shows present your kids with chances to encounter flesh-and-blood characters they’ve only ever encountered on the page — or, alternatively, encourage them to crack open the printed version of their favorite show. These stories have inspired stage adaptations and are perfect to read as a family before listening to the soundtrack and (if you’re lucky) watching them onstage.

  • Matilda

    by Roald Dahl

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    If they haven't already read this classic about a bookish heroine who saves her school by tapping into supernatural powers, they'll leap for it once they witness so many seemingly-impossible special effects brought effortlessly to the stage. This is also one to inspire the budding actor in your midst, as the sheer number of child performers onstage at any given moment makes the idea of performing in front of a crowd seem far less intimidating. Just like her literary descendant Harry Potter, Matilda gradually realizes that her intelligence and gentleness give her the power to overcome other people's cruelty and ignorance. The 1996 movie may not include any musical numbers, but the same messages shine through. (Check out the Broadway musical homepage here and the “Matilda” Original Broadway Cast Recording soundtrack here.)
    See a clip of the Broadway show

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  • Wicked

    by Gregory Maguire

    There are so many layers around this story to peel back. Any child who's read (or seen) The Wizard of Oz will have their mind duly blown by the musical's twist on L. Frank Baum's original characters. The stage version also bridges the gap to Maguire's novel, a darker and far more nuanced story with deeper revelations about the not-so-merry old land of Oz. Both versions introduce a young misfit named Elphaba — born with bewitching green skin and an aptitude for sorcery — who grapples with loneliness and frustration in an Emerald City rife with political danger. Once your maturing reader is ready, they'll be on the hook for sequels Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men.

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  • Fun Home

    by Alison Bechdel

    While the subject matter of Bechdel's graphic novel exploring queer identities and family is decidedly mature (topics include funeral science, sexual awakening, and dealing with the sexual lives of one's parents), the 2013 Broadway musical retooled the storyline to create the kind of experience likely to bring families together. In Bechdel's autobiographical tale, her father's accidental death leads to the discovery of his hidden homosexual past, a subject of fascination for the author as she reflects on her own difficult phase of coming out. With sparkling songs to diffuse the gloom, and a Tony-nominated child actress to identify with, "Fun Home" was a hit with mature tweens and teens as well as parents willing to broach some of these issues from a constructive angle.

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  • Tuck Everlasting

    by Natalie Babbitt

    If a trusted friend revealed that the secret of eternal life was hidden in a magical spring, would you be tempted to drink? Whatever a child's initial answer might be, it's bound to change as they embark on this literary (and now, musical) journey. While the original Broadway run of this musical didn't last very long — closing after about two months — it provides a winning supplement to any kid who falls under Babbitt's spell in this endlessly re-read 1975 classic. Tuck's sensitive heroine navigates issues related to friendship, youth, death, and immortality, all matters which weigh on expanding young minds. Even if you didn’t catch any of the Broadway performances, you may have further occasion to see Tuck Everlasting live: Versions of this story are commonly performed in community theater.

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  • Annie

    by Thomas Meehan

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    “Annie” occupies a special place in musical and literary history. Based on Harold Gray's comic strip from the 1920s, the 1977 Broadway hit (and unforgettable movie starring Carol Burnett) became a kid-pleaser of almost mythic proportions. From the comforts of home, every kid indulges in fantasies about having to strike out on their own; while this rags-to-riches story doesn't shy away from the hardships in Little Orphan Annie's life, her resilience and positivity make a happy ending seem inevitable. Whichever version of the play or movie your offspring prefers, they'll be happy to discover that the musical's librettist, Thomas Meehan, wrote a novelization of his own script that's great for kids ages ten and up. He's also the talent we have to thank for the Hairspray musical, which your family may end up enjoying as a live TV event this December.
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What are some of your family’s favorite musicals or musical-themed books? Let us know in the comments below.