Here Are All of the Broadway Musicals Based on Books Playing This Spring

It is the right time to become a lover of theater and books. The spring season brings many highly anticipated Broadway shows, including shows by Alicia Keys Hell’s kitchen and revivals of classics such as Cabaret and The Who’s rock musical Tommy. But passions are gathering for those who like to bring a book to entertain them before curtain: a number of new shows opening this season were novels first — classics and new favorites alike. If you find yourself in New York this spring or need an excuse to plan a trip, consider seeing one of the musicals based on the literature on stage.

‘Notebook’

The cover of Nicholas Sparks’ novel and the poster for the musical adaptation of ‘The Notebook’.

Grand Central Publishing; Playroom

The new musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel brings the legendary love story to the stage. With music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, musical stars Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza as Young Allie and Young Noah, Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez as Middle Allie and Middle Noah, and Maryann Plunkett and Dorian Harewood as Older Allie and Older Noah. It was also a 2004 blockbuster starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams so consider a home screening with a box of tissues before watching the series,

Ingrid Michaelson sings a new song from the musical-stage adaptation of ‘The Notebook’ — Watch!

Notebook is currently in previews at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Tickets are available at notebookmusical.com.

‘Water for elephants’

The cover of Sara Gruen’s novel and the poster for the musical adaptation of ‘Water for Elephants’.

Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill; Playroom

Based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 bestseller, the musical adaptation is about a young man who finds himself in the island world of a traveling circus.

The novel was also adapted into a film in 2011 starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. Directed by Kimberly AkimboJessica Stone, music stars joy and Flash alum Grant Gustin as Jacob Jankowski and Isabelle McCalla as Marlena.

Grant Gustin and Isabelle McCalla embrace in the first photos of Broadway Water for elephants The Musical (Exclusive)

Water for elephants begins previews at the Imperial Theater on February 24. Tickets are available at waterforelephantsthemusical.com.

“The Outsiders”

Cover of SE Hinton’s novel and poster for the musical adaptation of ‘The Outsiders’.

Speak; Playroom

When SE Hinton’s novel about teenage greasers was first published in 1967, when the author was just 18 years old, no one could have expected it to become a classic. Since then, the book has been studied and debated in schools, and was made into a 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe and Emilio Estevez. The musical adaptation stars Brody Grant as Ponyboy Curtis and Sky Lakota-Lynch as Johnny Cade; Angelina Jolie also works as a producer. Previews begin at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater on March 16. Tickets are available at outsidersmusical.com.

‘The Great Gatsby’

Cover of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel and poster for the musical adaptation of ‘The Great Gatsby’.

Amazon; Playroom

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel about millionaire Jay Gatsby and his wanderings on Long Island has long been required reading in schools and has seen many adaptations in the decades since its publication. One of the most famous is the 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan. The upcoming musical adaptation, which had its world premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2023, stars Jeremy Jordan as Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy. Previews will begin March 29 at the Broadway Theatre. Tickets are available at broadwaygatsby.com.

‘Wizard’

L. Frank Baum’s book cover and poster for the musical adaptation of ‘The Wiz’.

SeaWolf Press; Playroom

The beloved musical is returning to Broadway after last year’s national tour.Wizard, which has an all-black cast, originally opened on Broadway in 1975 and won Tony Awards that year, including Best Musical. Its famous film adaptation, starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, was released in 1978, and a television special Wizard live!with Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Amber Riley, aired on NBC in 2015. Wherever the story appears, they are all retellings of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

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Revival features material written by comedian Amber Ruffin, who co-wrote the book for the musical adaptation Some like it hot with Matthew López. Wizard also stars Wayne Brady as the title character, The Wiz, Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow. Previews begin at the Marquis Theater on March 29. Tickets are available at wizmusical. com.

‘Wicked’

Cover of Gregory Maguire’s novel and poster for the musical adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

William Morrow Paperback; Playroom

Currently the fourth longest running play on Broadway, Wicked, which tells the origins of Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, has been on stage for 20 years and counting. The current cast of the series stars Alyssa Fox as Elphaba and McKenzie Kurtz as Glinda. The musical is partially based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which is also adapted from the novel by L. Frank Baum. The upcoming film adaptation stars musical stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphabe; the first part arrives in theaters on November 27.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Wicked currently playing at the Gershwin Theatre, where it has been since opening in October 2003. Tickets are available at wickedthemusical.com.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education