Shows from the Comics

For many, the power of illustration serves as a meaningful entry point to the world of storytelling. In fact, some of the most beloved theatrical properties started as panel-by-panel drawings. Below, discover a selection of dynamic plays and musicals inspired by comic strips.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz, Bill Melendez, Lee Mendelson and Eric Schaeffer (US/UK)
(Short Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 5w, 5m, 1 any gender)
The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. A Charlie Brown Christmas was first shown as an animated television special in 1965 and has been a part of the holiday tradition ever since. This stage adaptation was completed in 2013.

Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau and Elizabeth Swados (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 4w, 7m)
This delightful romp of a show, about the colorful inhabitants of a college town, is based on Garry Trudeau’s long-running comic strip. Audiences get to meet Zonker, Mike Doonesbury, J.J., Boopsie, B.D. and Joanie, iconic characters who are all happily present in this show. While the group tries to make it through commencement, the Walden crowd must fend off Zonker’s Uncle Duke, who wants to bulldoze their off-campus house and replace it with condos. Mike Doonesbury steadfastly pursues the feisty and lovely J.J. while J.J. tries to come to terms with her long-lost mother, Joanie Caucus.

GARFIELD, The Musical with Cattitude by Jim Davis, Michael J. Bobbitt and John L. Cornelius II (US/UK)
(60-Minute Musical, Comedy / 1w, 4m)
The beloved, devious feline from your favorite comic strip is taking to the stage in this delightful musical. Garfield, a chubby and sarcastic tabby cat, fantasizes about having the most amazing birthday in the history of birthdays… he deserves it for being the best cat ever! Unfortunately, all of his friends — Arlene, Odie, Jon, and even his nemesis, Nermal — seem to have forgotten. Feeling rejected, Garfield ventures out to find excitement, but he soon realizes that home is where the heart (and the food) is.

Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play (Marvel Spotlight) by Christian Borle (US/UK)
(Short Play, Comedy / 6w, 9m, 5 any gender)
From two-time Tony Award winner Christian Borle comes a new play based on a Marvel comic strip. One is the Norse God of Thunder, Master of the Storm, Lord of the Living Lightning, and heir to the throne of eternal Asgard. The other born of a Frost Giant, but now the Norse God of Mischief. Yet they are brothers, and together they are… the Mighty Thor and Loki. As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia.

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman by Charles Strouse, Lee Adams, David Newman and Robert Benton (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 5m +Ensemble)
Campy, dynamic, and larger than life, It’s A Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s Superman captures the sights and sounds of 1960s New York City as Superman battles a vengeful scientist determined to destroy the world’s symbol of good. Meanwhile, Daily Planet writer Lois Lane struggles to make sense of her rocky romance with the superhero, and Lois’ ambitious coworker Max vows to make a name for himself by unveiling the Man of Steel’s secret identity. Also available for theatrical licensing: It’s A Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s Superman!: Youth Edition (US/UK).

Kudzu: A Southern Musical by Jack Herrick, Doug Marlette, Bland Simpson and Doug Marlette (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 11m)
Based on the hit comic strip, this joyous musical celebrates life in the rural South through the adventures of young Kudzu DuBose and his colorful crew of friends, family and neighbors in the tiny town of Bypass. Kudzu is the story of a boy who comes of age against the changing face of the American South. Like the comic strip from which it is adapted, this musical celebrates the values, humor and original characters still found in disappearing rural America.

Li’l Abner by Norman Panama, Melvin Frank, Al Capp, Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 4m +Ensemble)
A fun-filled, foot-stompin’ musical taken directly from the comics, Li’l Abner is laced with gentle satire, rib-tickling gags and a host of catchy tunes. Al Capp’s world-famous characters populate this upbeat show in a delightful mixture of hillbilly nonsense and sharp, critical humor. This musical’s crowd-pleasing score features tunes such as “If I Had My Druthers,” “Jubilation T. Cornpone,” “Namely You,” “Progress Is the Root of All Evil” and “The Country’s in the Very Best of Hands.” Li’l Abner opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on November 15, 1956, featuring Edith Adams, Peter Palmer, Howard St. John and Stubby Kaye. The show earned two Tony Awards and played for 693 performances.

Luann – Scenes in a Teen’s Life by Greg Evans (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 5w, 5m)
Based on the popular comic strip, this new musical follows Luann, whose big dream is to hook up with Aaron Hill. But she’ll have to compete with hot cheerleader Tiffany. Luann’s doofus brother Brad desperately wants to impress beautiful Toni. But he keeps acting like a moron. This series of hilarious scenes and songs explore the joys and agonies of teenhood, from “Why Do We Need to Know About Michelangelo?” to “Ode to the Mall” to “Do You Hate Me Cuz I’m Beautiful?”

Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play (Marvel Spotlight) by Masi Asare (US/UK)
(Short Play, Comedy / 8w, 4m, 10 any gender)
Another Marvel favorite takes the stage! When a strange Terrigen Mist descended upon Jersey City, Kamala Khan was imbued with polymorphic powers. Her life was forever changed and so were the lives of her family and friends. Using her newfound abilities to fight evil and protect Jersey City, she became the all new Ms. Marvel. Kamala attempts to boost Ms. Marvel’s fledgling superhero profile by writing her own fan fiction. But when building a fandom becomes an obsession, Kamala’s schoolwork and relationships begin to suffer. To become the Jersey City hero of her dreams, Kamala must learn to accept herself just as she is – imperfections and all.

Snoopy!!! (Original) by Charles M. Schulz, Larry Grossman, Hal Hackady, Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw and Michael L. Grace (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 3m, 1 any gender)
Based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, Snoopy!!! sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz’s unforgettable characters. Musical numbers include “Just One Person,” “Poor Sweet Baby” and “Don’t Be Anything Less (Than Everything You Can Be).” Snoopy!!! premiered on December 9, 1975 at the Little Fox Theatre in San Francisco, California. Directed by Arthur Whitelaw, the cast featured Don Potter in the title role, James Gleason as Charlie Brown, Janell Pulis as Lucy, Cathy Cahn as Woodstock, Jimmy Dodge as Linus, Randi Kallan as Sally and Pamela Myers as Peppermint Patty. Also available for licensing: Snoopy!!! (London Version) (US/UK) and The World According to Snoopy (US/UK).

Squirrel Girl Goes to College: A Squirrel Girl Play (Marvel Spotlight) by Karen Zacarías (US/UK)
(Short Play, Comedy / 3w, 1m, 14 any gender)
The fierce Marvel comic book character Squirrel Girl wins over audiences in this theatrical adaptation. Doreen Green secretly possesses the powers of squirrel…and girl! She uses her amazing abilities to fight crime and be as awesome as possible You know her as the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Doreen arrives at Empire Stage University determined to make new human friends — and protect them from super villains — by keeping her super hero identity a secret. But when a beloved computer science professor suddenly disappears, can Doreen trust her friends with her inner squirrel so she can save the day?

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz, Clark Gesner, Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 4m +Ensemble)
In this ode to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, this beloved group of friends arrive onstage, exploring life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes and celebrate the joy of friendship. With charm, wit and heart, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a favorite for actors and audiences of all ages. Licensees of the musical are given the option of performing the entire show or certain scenes and musical numbers of your choice.

Also, two bonus musicals inspired by graphic novels:

Fun Home by Jeanine Tesori, Lisa Kron & Alison Bechdel (US/UK)
(Full-Length Musical, Drama / 4w, 2m, 1 girl, 2 boys)
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Starmites High School by Barry Keating and Stuart Ross (US)
(Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 8w, 6m +Ensemble)
Dreaming her way into an adventure in Innerspace, Eleanor saves the galaxy in this zingy rock musical adapted from the Broadway hit and the science fiction comic book collection. Starmites (High School) is streamlined and upgraded for maximum fun and effectiveness for today’s audiences, young and old. This show is designed with students in mind — contemporary songs, funny dialogue, heart and soul. Also a great “backstory” that can compete with the complexity of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Star Wars and Star Trek all wrapped up in boy-band, girl-band musical language, ideal for student actors. Also available for licensing: Starmites Lite (US) and Starmites Pro (US)

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