21 Best Pop Rock Musicals Ever

Cry-Baby

Based on the 1990 John Waters film, Cry-Baby, the Cry-Baby musical features the music of musician, songwriter, composer, and record producer Adam Schlesinger, the lyrics of comedy writer and lyricist David Javerbaum, and book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan (of Hairspray fame).

The musical follows Baltimore teenager Allison Vernon-Williams, who gets into a relationship with the leader of rebel outcasts, Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker. The musical premiered in November 2007 at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California.

The musical wasn’t immediately met with critical acclaim, but as with the movie, many consider it a masterpiece and a cult classic. The music mostly consists of gentle 1950s rock.

Memphis

Memphis is a musical loosely based on the short life of Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first DJs ever to play black music on the radio in the 1950s.

It features the music of musician and songwriter David Bryan (best known as the keyboardist of Bon Jovi), the lyrics of David Bryan and playwright, lyricist, and author Joe DiPietro, and a book by Joe DiPietro.

Zombie Prom

The Off-Broadway musical Zombie Prom was produced in 1993 and premiered in New York City in 1996. It features the music of composer Dana P. Rowe and a book and lyrics by lyricist and playwright John Dempsey. The musical went on to be adapted as a short film (launched in 2006) as well.

The musical is based on Dempsey’s fictional story about a teenage boy who is brought back to life (as a zombie) by his high school sweetheart and her love for him.

While the story is relatively typical for a musical in that it revolves around a good girl and a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, the twist is that the bad boy becomes a zombie.

American Idiot

Green Day’s 2004 studio album American Idiot spawned multiple unforgettable hits, whether it’s the eponymous “American Idiot,” the pop-rock of “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” or the power balladry of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

When you think about it, there are few releases as perfect as American Idiot to base a musical on, especially given its “concept” status. Following the story of Jesus of Suburbia, the album laments the generation that grew up with 9/11 and the Iraq War.

The musical follows three boys looking to leave behind their safe suburban upbringing. Reportedly, when the music of American Idiot is sung in a big ensemble, it makes for a thrilling and impressive experience.

American Idiot features the music of Green Day, with lyrics by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, and a book by Billie Joe Armstrong and theatre director, filmmaker, and playwright Michael Mayer.

Sing Street

Based on John Carney’s 2016 film Sing Street, the Sing Street musical features the music and lyrics of Scottish musician, songwriter, and record producer Gary Clark and John Carney, and a book by Irish playwright Enda Walsh.

The official premiere of Sing Street on the Great White Waywas ostensibly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, though it played to sold-out houses Off-Broadway prior.

However, the indie film developed a passionate following, and audiences love the coming-of-age story featuring a light rock score.

Bare: The Musical

The coming-of-age rock musical, Bare: The Musical, is a new version of Bare: A Pop Opera featuring the music of composer, orchestrator, and conductor Damon Intrabartolo, with lyrics and a book by Jon Hartmere.

The musical was evolved because of LGBTQ suicides following (but not due to) the 2004 production. The main change that was made is a deeper exploration of the characters.

Musically, Bare: The Musical leans much heavier on the rock side of things than you might expect. The underrated musical tells the story of a group of teens enrolled in Catholic school wrestling with sexuality, teen pregnancy, drugs, and death.

Passing Strange

Passing Strange follows the story of a young African American artist’s journey of self-discovery with self-referential humor, as well as existentialist and meta-fictional components.

The comedy-drama rock musical features the music of Heidi Rodewald and singer-songwriter / playwright Stew, with the lyrics and book by Stew.

The musical would have productions Off-Broadway and in Berkeley, CA before premiering on Broadway in 2008.

The Who’s Tommy

Based on the 1969 rock opera Tommy by the English rock band The Who, The Who’s Tommy is a rock musical featuring the music of The Who guitarist Pete Townshend with a book by Townshend and American-Canadian director Des McAnuff.

The musical has also been referred to as a “rock opera,” and of course, it features the music of The Who. However, some layers and depth were added to the music, and the musical benefits from the embellishment.

The musical premiered in San Diego, CA, at La Jolla Playhouse in July 1992, and it would go on to debut on Broadway in March 1993 at St. James Theatre in New York.

Spring Awakening

Based on the 1981 German play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind, Spring Awakening is a coming-of-age rock musical set in 19th-century Germany. The musical follows a group of teenagers discovering adolescent sexuality and the turmoil that can ensue. The score combines elements of alternative rock and folk rock.

Spring Awakening features the music of singer-songwriter and composer Duncan Sheik with a book and lyrics by poet, playwright, lyricist, TV writer, and screenwriter Steven Sater.

The musical would premiere on Broadway in December 2006 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City. Its success can be attributed to the fact that the heartbreaking musical tackles tough topics head-on.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is a comedic historical rock musical covering the founding of the Democratic Party. America’s seventh President, Andrew Jackson, is portrayed as an emo rock star in the musical, which primarily focuses on his relationship with Rachel, populism, and the Indian Removal Act.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson features the music and lyrics of composer and lyricist Michael Friedman and a book by writer and director Alex Timbers.

The original rock score features a mix of driving pop rock songs, acoustic numbers, and some quirky numbers (as you might expect) too.

Top Pop Rock Musicals, Final Thoughts

And with that, we hope you found everything you were looking for. While Broadway musicals are usually a sure bet, Off-Broadway is well worth paying attention to as well. You just never know what might end up becoming the next cult classic.

There is no shortage of pop-rock musicals to attend year-round, so if you’re a fan, make sure to keep an ear to the ground. Check local listings and get your tickets early, because the best shows tend to sell out early.

Have fun!