Pop/Rock Musicals

The iconic nature of rock music combines with the power of theatre to create musical magic in this array of dynamic shows. Check out this list of Concord musicals (and a few plays) that feature pop/rock music, ranging from early ’50s rock ’n’ roll to contemporary electropop. Some are rock operas, some are pop concerts, and some merely have a rock ’n’ roll flavor, but one thing’s for sure… they all rock!

35mm: A Musical Exhibition by Ryan Scott Oliver and Matthew Murphy (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical / 2w, 3m plus ensemble)
This intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern American musical can be. In 35mm, a variety of photos each create a unique song, moments frozen in time, a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. 

A Slice of Saturday Night by The Heather Brothers (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 5w, 4m) 
The Heather Brothers’ homage to swinging sixties music was a smash hit at the King’s Head Theatre, and it enjoyed a long run after transferring to London’s Arts Theatre. With over 30 original songs, this musical celebrates the universally embarrassing experience of teenage years while teetering on the edge between parody of early rock and the real thing.

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical by Diablo Cody, Alanis Morissette and Glen Ballard (US/UK)
(Full Length Musical, Drama / 7w, 5m)
This exhilarating new musical is inspired by the themes and raw emotions laid bare in Alanis Morissette’s seminal album of the same name. In the musical, we meet the Healys, who appear to be a picture-perfect family – but looks can be deceiving. When cracks beneath the surface begin to show, they must choose between maintaining the status quo or facing harsh truths about themselves, their community and the world around them. 

American Psycho by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Duncan Sheik (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Dark Comedy / 8w, 8m) 
American Psycho tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a young and handsome Wall Street banker with impeccable taste and unquenchable desires set to a 1980s rock score. Patrick and his elite group of friends spend their days in chic restaurants and exclusive clubs and wearing designer labels. At night, however, Patrick takes part in a darker indulgence. 

Avenue X by John Jiler and Ray Leslee (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 2w, 6m)
Avenue X, written by John Jiler and Ray Leslee, is a groundbreaking a cappella musical centered on race. It features of cast of eight actors and no orchestra, meaning the music is all human-made. Author Scott Miller, in his book Strike Up the Band, singled out Avenue X as one of the most important works of the late 1990s for musical theatre history, writing, “Avenue X isn’t just a good musical. It’s smart, subtle, powerful, unconventional theatre.” Recent events across the United States make the story about racial tensions more relevant than ever. 

Bye Bye Birdie by Michael Stewart, Charles Strouse and Lee Adams (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 6w, 5m plus ensemble)
A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenage life, and rock ’n’ roll, this musical centers on teenage musical heartthrob Conrad Birdie. When Birdie is about to say goodbye because he gets drafted for the war, the heart of rock ’n’ roll and public farewell kisses make all the girls weak in the knees.

Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee and Dengue Fever (US/UK)
(Full-Length Play with Music, Dramatic Comedy / 1w, 3m, 2 any gender)
Cambodian Rock Band is filled with horror, humor, pathos… and songs by the best unknown rock band in Cambodia! In 1978, Chum fled Cambodia and narrowly escaped the murderous Khmer Rouge regime. Thirty years later, he returns in search of his wayward daughter, Neary. As the play jumps back and forth in time, mystery meets rock concert until both father and daughter are forced to face the music of the past.

Carrie by Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, Lawrence D. Cohen and Stephen King (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 8w, 6m plus ensemble) 
Featuring angsty teenage pop/rock outbursts in songs like “In” and “The World According to Chris” as well as heartfelt pop ballads like “You Shine,” there’s a song – and a scare – in Carrie for every kind of music lover. Carrie White is a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them knows is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. 

Chess by Richard Nelson, Tim Rice, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 2w, 9m, 1 any gender youth)
In this groundbreaking rock musical starting at the international chess match in Bangkok, the ancient game becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics and international intrigue. From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental score that includes “One Night in Bangkok” and “Heaven Help My Heart.”

Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 8w, 9m plus ensemble) 
With a hip-shaking rock ’n’ roll score featuring hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together,” Grease celebrates Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory. Grease has become among the world’s most popular musicals for recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley, which became the soundtrack of a generation.

HAIR by Gerome Ragni, James Rado and Galt MacDermot (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 4w, 5m plus ensemble)
The American tribal love rock musical HAIR celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, this show remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world. 

Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 1w, 8m plus ensemble)
This timeless rock opera is set against the backdrop of a universally known series of events, re-seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot and re-heard through the sound of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rocking score. The groundbreaking score includes rock classics like “Heaven on Their Minds,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”

Judge Jackie: Disorder in the Court by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 3m)
The undeniable energy level really lifts proceedings to send you home with a solid smile on your face, spanning a range of styles from soul and vaudeville to cabaret and waltz. Judge Jackie Justice rules over her reality-television courtroom with an iron fist, presiding over a three-ring circus of America’s most chaotic civil cases. But when a drop in ratings brings her face-to-face with the liability of her own love life, the judge must learn to navigate the ludicrous laws of love in this over-the-top courtroom comedy. 

Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical by Ellie Greenwich, Anne Beatts, Jack Helfner and Melanie Mintz (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 8w, 4m plus ensemble)
This hit Broadway musical retrospective celebrates the life and times of Ellie Greenwich, whose doo-wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the ’60s charts. The story of Ellie’s rise to fame and fortune is punctuated with the virtual hit parade of her music: “Chapel of Love,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Be My Baby,” “Hanky Panky,” “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” “And Then He Kissed Me,” and, of course, the title song, “Leader of the Pack.”

Marie and Rosetta by George Brant (US/UK)
(Full-Length Play with Music, Dramatic Comedy / 2w)
Marie and Rosetta chronicles music pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in musical history. Bringing fierce guitar playing and swing to gospel music, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time and a huge influence on Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix and Ray Charles.

Monstersongs by Rob Rokicki (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 7 any gender)
Monstersongs puts audiences in a synthesized world of graphic novels, rock musicals, live performances and new technology. Following the journey of a child who opens a portal into the psyches of often misunderstood creatures, Monstersongs flips the switch on the monster narrative, inviting audiences to explore the humanity that binds us all. Different artwork and song styles support each monster – from Medusa belting out hard rock, to a bluegrass-flavored Troll under the bridge. Scary, silly and heartfelt, Monstersongs is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 5w, 5m, 6 any gender)
This award-winning electropop opera is based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. 

New York Rock by Yoko Ono (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 2w, 8m)
Written by musician Yoko Ono, this allegorical rock musical weaves a tale of senseless violence, heart-wrenching despair and resurgence of the human spirit. In New York City, love blooms between a woman who has had to flee from an abusive husband and a budding rock musician whose mother was slain by street hoodlums. The lovers’ developing relationship engenders an atmosphere of renewed optimism until urban violence erupts again, changing lives forever. 

Punk Rock Girl by Joe Iconis (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 6w, 4m)
Punk Rock Girl! is a new musical featuring a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands, including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more. This musical about a young person finding a community and creating her tribe is a noisy celebration of all things raw and ragged, trashy and heartfelt, familiar and alien. 

Reefer Madness by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Satire/Political Satire / 4w, 4m)
When a clean-cut kid from a stand-up American family falls prey to marijuana, his descent into the pit is filled with jazz, sex and violence. The addictive, clever musical numbers range from big Broadway-style showstoppers to swing tunes like “Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime” and the Vegas-style “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” featuring a chorus of showgirl angels. Reefer Madness is a highly stylized and satirical political commentary that will leave you wanting more.

Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 4w, 7m)
Blast off on a routine flight and crash into the planet D’Illyria, where a sci-fi version of The Tempest – set to rock ’n’ roll golden oldies – unfolds with glee! Inspired by Shakespeare, this high-energy jukebox musical is packed with classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Good Vibrations,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “Young Girl” and “Gloria.”

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Dark Comedy / 3w, 6m)
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever.

Rock of Ages by Chris D’Arienzo and Ethan Popp (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 10w, 7m)
It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Amidst the madness, Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing. Rock of Ages takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. Additionally available in Teen Edition or Youth Edition.

Runaways by Elizabeth Swados (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 9w, 11m)
Created from interviews with homeless children and those in orphanages, Runaways is a collection of songs, dances and spoken word pieces about personal struggle and the world at large as seen through the eyes of youth in New York City in the 1970s. The show blends different musical styles, from pop to hip-hop and jazz to reggae, while asking why children can’t remain children.

School of Rock by Julian Fellowes, Glenn Slater and Andrew Lloyd Webber (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 6w, 9m, 7 girls plus ensemble)
Dewey Finn is a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. 

Shake, Ripple & Roll by Jenifer Toksvig and David Perkins (US/UK)
(Short Musical, Comedy / 5w, 5m plus ensemble)
Unless Joey Nobody and private detective Dirk Manley find Angelo’s will in time, bogus heir Deanna la Domme, the glamorous film star, will sell Angelo’s New York ice cream parlor to Crazy Flavors. So get out the bobby socks and join Chuck and the gang as they rock in this sizzling, hour-long musical for schools and youth groups. This exuberant, fun-packed musical written for a large cast of young people features a glitzy rock ’n’ roll score and plenty of action.

SIX: TEEN EDITION by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 6w)
The six wives of King Henry VIII take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power. Storming stages around the world, SIX’s electrifying soundtrack has garnered more than 200 million streams, second only to Hamilton as the highest-streamed cast recording in the world.

Stereophonic by David Adjmi and Will Butler (US/UK)
(Full-Length Play with Music, Drama / 2w, 5m)
Set in a music studio in the mid-1970s, we find an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album. The band finds itself on the cusp of superstardom while the ensuing pressures could spark their breakup or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves – with fly-on-the-wall intimacy – in the powder-keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.

Teddy by Tristan Bernays and Dougal Irvine (UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 1w, 1m)
In post-war London, Teddy and Josie are about to hit the streets for a good time. They find trouble in the pouring rain but that doesn’t stop them. This is the ultimate story of teenage rebellion and the birth of a new musical era. Desperate times call for rock ’n’ roll. An award-winning, punchy and lyrical ride through post-war London with an electrifying soundtrack of original songs performed by Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts, Teddy is the ultimate story of teenage rebellion and the birth of a new musical era.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical by Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 7 any gender plus ensemble)
As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and he becomes a suspect, he will have to catch the thief to succeed on his quest. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” (Time Out New York).

Things to Ruin by Joe Iconis (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 4w, 5m)
A theatrical rock concert about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don’t really have enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. The music kicks 1960s-style pop tunefulness with hard post-punk beats to explore feelings, gut emotions, and collective power.

Two Gentlemen of Verona by John Guare, Mel Shapiro and Galt MacDermot (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 4m)
Based on William Shakespeare’s comedy of the same name, Two Gentlemen of Verona tells the story of lifelong friends Proteus and Valentine who leave their rural hometown to experience life in urban Milan. The friends both fall for the fair Sylvia, and comic antics inevitably ensue. A Shakespearean story with a ’70s flavor, this ebullient rock musical adaptation features a score from Galt MacDermot, composer of HAIR.

Your Own Thing by Hal Hester and Danny Apolinar (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 5m)
Your Own Thing is a groovy rock musical loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Set in the late 1960s in the land of Illyria (which looks very much like New York City), it is a tale of separated twins, mistaken identities, love triangles and “doing your own thing.”

Zombie Prom by John Dempsey, Dana P. Rowe, Marc Tumminelli and Hugh M. Murphy (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 5w, 5m plus ensemble)
Set in the 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the relationship and he storms off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He comes back glowing and is determined to take Toffee to the prom and reclaim her heart. History comes to his rescue in the style of girl-loves-ghoul rock ’n’ roll featuring original songs in the style of the ’50s that keeps the action rocking across the stage.

For more great plays and musicals, visit Concord Theatricals in the US and UK.