From Page to the Stage: 7 Popular Musicals Based on Books

Did you know that some of the most beloved musicals have been inspired by classic and contemporary literature? It’s truly amazing to see how these productions bring beloved characters and worlds to life through soaring music, impressive choreography, and stunning stage designs that bring audiences right into the heart of the story — immersing them into its world front row and center. Not to mention it gives people a new way to experience their favorite books.

This Book Lovers Month, explore our list of musicals that started out as novels, showcasing how these popular literary works transformed into theatrical masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a bookworm or a theater geek (or both!), these adaptations are sure to impress!

Les Misérables (1980)

Adapted from: “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo (1862)

This French historical novel by Victor Hugo is considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. The story centers on the theme of politics, justice, and revolution and spans many years as it tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, his release from prison and reformation as an industrialist while being constantly pursued by a strict inspector named Javert.

The book had numerous adaptations through the years, but probably the most famous one is the musical composed and written by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil, and Jean-Marc Natel. The musical premiered in 1980 at the Palais des Sports, Paris while the English-language adaptation of the musical written by Herbert Kretzmer has been running in London since October 1985, making it the longest-running musical in the West End and the second in the world!

The musical boasts some of the most well-known theatre hits such as “Do You Hear the People Sing,” “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.” A film adaptation of the musical was released in 2012 and had an all-star cast that included A-listers like Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Eddie Redmayne.

The Phantom of the Opera (1986)

Adapted from: “The Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux (1910)

One of the most iconic musicals to grace the stage is “The Phantom of the Opera” which was adapted from the novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux. It follows the story of a soprano named Christine Daaé, who gets entangled with a mysterious, masked musical genius living in a labyrinth beneath the Paris Opéra House.

The musical opened in London's West End in 1986 and on Broadway in New York in 1988. It won the 1988 Tony Award and 1986 Oliver Award for Best Musical, and Billy Crawford, who played the titular role, won Best Actor in a Musical at both awarding bodies. It’s also the longest-running musical in Broadway history by a lot, and was the most financially successful entertainment event until “The Lion King” surpassed it in 2014. It played its final Broadway show last April 16, 2023.

Some of its most iconic songs include the titular track, “Phantom of the Opera” which highlights an incredibly high note at the end, and the romantic ballads “Think of Me” and “All I Ask of You.” There’s also a film adaptation of the musical released in 2004, which starred Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.

ICYDK: “The Phantom of the Opera” musical had a sequel called “Love Never Dies,” which was loosely adapted from Frederick Forsyth's 1999 novel, “The Phantom of Manhattan.” The story takes place in New York, roughly ten years after the end of the original Phantom.

Wicked (2003)

Adapted from: “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire (1995)

Everybody knows Dorothy Gale, the girl from Kansas who gets whisked away to a wonderous strange land called Oz through a terrible twister and goes on a quest down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard in the Emerald City.

“Wicked” is a revisionist of this classic tale by L. Frank Baum and presents the biography of the Wicked Witch of the West, the protagonist in Baum’s book. The book follows the witch, Elphaba, from her birth to her death at Dorothy’s hands. This is one of those retellings that humanizes the villain and paints them in a more sympathetic light, using her journey to explore themes of good vs. evil, propaganda, and life’s purpose.

The musical premiered on Broadway in October 2003 at the Gershwin Theatre and starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda the Good. Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics, while Winnie Holzman penned the libretto. The musical is told from the perspective of the two witches before the arrival of Dorothy in Oz. It highlights their complex friendship and follows their journey to becoming the iconic characters told in the original story.

The award-winning stage musical was nominated for ten Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical, which Idina won, and remains to be one of the most beloved theatre shows on Broadway today. We don’t think there’s a theater fan out there who doesn’t know all the words to “Defying Gravity.”

ICYDK: the book is part of a series so if you ever want to dive deeper into this retelling, “Wicked” is followed by “Son of a Witch” (2005), “A Lion Among Men” (2008), and “Out of Oz” (2011). The musical is also being adapted into a film by Universal Pictures and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda. The movie hits theaters this Nov. 22, 2024.

Trivia: The name “Elphaba” is a tribute to the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” as it was formed by taking the phonetic pronunciation of his initials: “L. Frank Baum.” Well played, Gregory!

Hamilton (2015)

Adapted from: “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow (2004)

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” tells the story of Alexandar Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States. The musical was based on the biography by Ron Chernow and is considered one of the most noteworthy productions that features a modern musical style unseen on stages before.

One of the reasons the biographical musical became such a cultural phenomenon is its innovative storytelling, which was through an unconventional mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes. The musical also received high regard for having a diverse cast, primarily featuring actors of color in key roles representing historical figures, which broadened traditional depictions of American history.

Since its off-Broadway release in 2015, “Hamilton” received numerous accolades including 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and even a Grammy. A film version of the Broadway production is currently airing on Disney+ with Lin-Manuel playing the titular role.

The Lightning Thief (2014)

Adapted from: “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (2005)

Greek mythology stories are no strangers to theatre with several tales having been adapted into various plays but this musical was based on a contemporary Children’s book series by Rick Riordan about a boy who discovers that he’s a demigod (part Greek god). “The Lightning Thief” follows Percy Jackson and his quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a massive war between the Greek gods.

With music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and a book by Joe Tracz, “The Lightning Thief” had an off-Broadway release in 2014 and was part of the free theatre series by Theatreworks USA. It eventually went on a national tour before premiering on Broadway for a limited run in 2019. The musical has also been adapted to Japanese and premiered in Tokyo in September 2022 and is also scheduled to premiere in London’s Off-West End in February 2025.

If you want to read more about Percy’s story and get to know all the Greek gods and monsters he encounters in his adventures, there are five books in the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” (PJO) series, plus another five-book companion series entitled “Heroes of Olympus” (HOO), which picks up from where the first series left off.

Last year, the author released the sixth PJO novel, “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Chalice of the Gods,” which is a follow-up of the first five novels and takes place after HOO. If you’re still confused and unsure where to start your journey through the Percy-verse, check out the official website.

FYI: the book was also adapted into a movie, which starred Logan Lerman, and a series is currently airing on Disney+ with a second season on the way!

The Great Gatsby (2024)

Adapted from: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

It’s been a long time but the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald finally got a musical adaptation. This new musical was composed by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen with a libretto by Kait Kerrigan and follows the story of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan whom he loved from his youth.

The story explores themes of wealth, class, and the elusive nature of the American Dream against the background of the so-called “Roaring 20s” — a decade characterized by economic prosperity and rapid social and cultural change. The book has been part of the required reading lists in many schools and has seen many adaptations through the years including the 2013 Baz Luhrmann film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire.

The musical is currently running on Broadway with Jeremy Jordan playing the role of Gatsby and Eva Noblezada as Daisy.

The Notebook (2024)

Adapted from: “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks (1996)

The 1996 novel gained popularity in 2004 with the release of its film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, which has been deemed as one of the most romantic movies of all time. To this day, it’s the author’s most successful film adaptation — and yes, almost all of Nicholas’ books have seen film adaptations.

“The Notebook” tells the love story of Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson who meet after more than a decade since their brief but passionate teenage romance. As many of Nicholas’ books are, his debut is a tearjerker that spans years filled with romance and heartbreak. It’s a story about second chances and how love is more than a feeling but a choice. We don’t think we’ll ever get over that iconic rain scene (IYKYK).

The new musical adaptation brings their love story to the stage and intends to sweep you off your feet with its power ballads and show tunes composed by singer-songwriter, Ingrid Michaelson. The production stars Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza as Young Allie and Young Noa; Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez as Middle Allie and Middle Noah; and Maryann Plunkett and Dorian Harewood as Older Allie and Older Noah.

“The Notebook” is currently playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway.