Top 10 Musicals That Defined Our Childhood

Back in the 1960s, composer and lyricist Clark Gesner transformed the much loved “Peanuts” comic into a musical. The Charles M. Schulz creation made the leap from newspaper to the stage with an Off-Broadway run in 1967 and later received a Broadway transfer in 1971. Decades later, the show was revised and revived for Bway in 1999 and helped launch the career of music icon Kristin Chenoweth, who would go on to win a Tony Award for her role as Sally Brown. Wholesome and sweet, “Charlie Brown” is the perfect musical for the entire family to enjoy.

“Cinderella” is a classic fairy tale. In the 1950s, the powerhouse duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II adapted the Charles Perrault story for the small screen. The enchanting music and lyrics, combined with the incomparable Julie Andrews, turned this fantastical story into an instant classic. Eventually stage versions of it were produced. The most notable came along in the 2010s, when Douglas Carter Beane updated the musical's book and a bright and shiny new “Cinderella” was welcomed on Broadway. This rags to riches story is full of magic, awe and wonder. Whether it’s made for the stage or screen, it’s always the right fit.

There’s a reason why “Singin’ in the Rain” is a film classic! Likewise, the stage version is similarly dazzling, wholesome and never fails to put a smile on one’s face. An ode to Hollywood and the glitz and glamor of show business, “Singin’ in the Rain” is a toe tapping spectacle that looks great whether it’s onstage or on screen. The story follows the ups and downs as the motion picture industry transitioned from silent film to sound in the 1920s. Although the world of film has undergone many more innovations and changes since then, this story is timeless and one that has been enjoyed by generation after generation.

A modern musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” is peak music theater. With a sweeping score by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and choreography and direction by Jerome Robbins, this musical is nearly perfect. The first film is an all-time classic, with one of its biggest highlights being Rita Moreno’s iconic and Oscar winning performance as Anita. Although its subject matter is dark and violent, it is a big part of many childhoods. One of the kids in particular who was quite taken with the 1961 film was director Steven Spielberg, who fulfilled his dream of bringing the musical back to the big screen with his own version in 2021.

“Billy Elliot” is a story about passion, drive, and always being true to yourself. Focusing on an English boy pursuing ballet, it warmed the hearts of film audiences in 2000. Nearly a decade later, Broadway came calling and adapted the film for the stage. Critically and publicly acclaimed, “Billy Elliot” took home the prize of Best Musical at the 63rd Tony Awards. And the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical was given jointly to the three young performers who shared the role of Billy. Although it’s new by comparison, something tells us “Billy Elliot” is definitely going to be a childhood classic soon enough.

Quick! Name a musical more magical than “Peter Pan.” The fantastical story of a boy who never grows up has been adapted time and time again. Although the 1954 Mary Martin production enchanted its generation, modern audiences remember another production as extra special. And that is Cathy Rigby’s portrayal of the boy from Neverland in a Broadway revival of the show in 1990. The former gymnast’s athletic experience and agility made her the perfect Pan, especially for those epic flying stunts. She played him again years later, bringing magic to young audiences night after night. In 2000, she appeared in a TV special where she returned to the role and lit up the small screen, bringing “Peter Pan” into households across the world.

John Waters’ 80s flick, “Hairspray” accumulated a cult following, and in 2002 the stage adaptation shook up Broadway and took the industry by storm. The story about a youth from Baltimore fighting against racism in the 1960s struck a major chord with audiences. The fun, lively and groovy score made the show a stand out and in the summer of 2007, a popular film adaptation was released. Featuring Nickelodeon actress Amanda Bynes and heartthrob Zac Efron, the film was a hit with teens and cemented “Hairspray” as a defining musical for a generation of millennials.

For many households, a rewatch of “The Sound of Music” has become a tradition around the holiday season. It’s a wholesome and family friendly musical that offers up some of the most memorable songs in the musical theater canon. From “Do-Re-Mi” to “My Favorite Things” to “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” every song is an instant classic. Even if you have not seen the film or a stage version of it, there’s a good chance you are familiar with the songs. It’s a squeaky clean and safe G-rated story that still packs plenty of drama and never seems to disappoint!

In 2003, “Wicked” soared onto Broadway and has been there ever since. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s book, the musical is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” It follows the friendship between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, aka The Wicked Witch of the West, and everything that happened prior to Dorothy’s entrance. Stephen Schwartz’s score is filled with epic ballads, fun and zany ensemble bits, and a lot of heart. In 2024, “Wicked” will leap onto the big screen starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervo and we cannot wait to see how a new generation enjoys this family epic!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Once on This Island”
Inspired By “The Little Mermaid,” This Musical Is A Splash Hit

“Seussical,”
It Doesn’t Get Much More Family Friendly Than This Dr. Seuss-Inspired Show

“Legally Blonde”
“Omigod You Guys” This Musical Made Our Childhoods!

“13”
Finally! A Musical About Teens That’s Made For Teens!

“Matilda”
We Will Always Be “Revolting Children!”

“Annie” is the quintessential musical for kids. The songs are super memorable, the story is heartwarming, and it is loads of fun! “Annie” is about a New York City orphan who gets a chance to finally have a family. It is so pure and is absolutely filled with joy, humor and some truly touching moments. From the original 1970s Broadway stage musical to the film adaptations and every other incarnation in between, “Annie” is a major and important piece of so many childhoods. “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,” and every song captures the joys (and sometimes troubles) of a kid!

Which one of these musicals was your childhood favorite? Let us know in the comments!