As theater enthusiasts, many students are exposed to explicit language, triggering subjects and overall content that reaches past their level of maturity. How can we meet our students where they are, encourage them to continue exploring musical theater, and give them the tools to navigate the emotions that come with hearing about these topics?
Tip: for shorter cast recordings and age appropriate lyrics, look for MTI's Junior Musical selections. Many albums are on YouTube.
To request addition content warnings for musicals you don't see on this list, please email us.
A Christmas-themed musical based on the film, Elf follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, who ventures to New York City to find his real father and spread holiday cheer. Through his joyful naiveté and elf-like enthusiasm, Buddy transforms the lives of everyone around him.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on TV and fights for racial integration on a local dance show. Her journey to stardom and social justice showcases vibrant dance numbers and heartfelt messages about acceptance.
This satirical musical follows J. Pierrepont Finch, a young and ambitious window washer who climbs the corporate ladder using a self-help book's advice. His humorous and sometimes unscrupulous methods lead to unexpected success in the cutthroat world of business.
Set in the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, In the Heights centers on a community of immigrants as they navigate their dreams, struggles, and sense of identity. The musical blends Latin rhythms and heartfelt storytelling to explore themes of family, love, and cultural pride.
Based on the popular film, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Through her journey, Elle discovers her own strength and the importance of staying true to herself.
Little Women adapts Louisa May Alcott's classic novel about the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the Civil War. The musical highlights their dreams, relationships, and the enduring bond of family.
Based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, Matilda tells the story of a precocious young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers who overcomes the neglectful and abusive behavior of her parents and tyrannical headmistress. Her journey is filled with whimsical adventures and a fight for justice.
Seussical weaves together various Dr. Seuss stories into a colorful and imaginative musical adventure. The narrative focuses on Horton the Elephant and his efforts to protect the tiny Whos while exploring themes of loyalty, courage, and the power of imagination.
Set in the 1850s, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a musical about a wild and comedic courtship between a rugged backwoodsman and his bride, who then must deal with his six unruly brothers. The story unfolds with lively dance numbers and humorous attempts to civilize the brothers.
Based on the popular animated film, Shrek follows the story of an ogre who embarks on a quest to reclaim his swamp from fairy-tale creatures. Along the way, he discovers love and friendship in unlikely places, challenging stereotypes and finding his place in the world.
The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria, a young aspiring nun who becomes a governess for a widowed naval captain’s seven children. Through her love and music, she brings joy and harmony to the family, ultimately helping them escape the Nazis.
The Music Man follows Harold Hill, a con artist who poses as a boys' band organizer to swindle the town of River City, Iowa. His plan to sell musical instruments and uniforms is complicated by his unexpected genuine affection for the town and its people.
Wicked explores the backstory of the witches from The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Their contrasting personalities and ambitions drive a story of acceptance, courage, and destiny.
Based on Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, this musical captures the everyday lives and whimsical adventures of Charlie Brown and his friends. Through a series of vignettes, it highlights their struggles and joys in a charming, lighthearted manner.
Hadestown retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in a dystopian world where the underworld is a gritty industrial city ruled by Hades. The musical intertwines the fates of Orpheus’s doomed quest to rescue Eurydice and the struggles of Persephone as she navigates her tumultuous relationship with Hades.
Mamma Mia! centers on Sophie Sheridan, a young woman who invites three men from her mother Donna’s past to her wedding, hoping to find out which one is her father. The story unfolds with lively ABBA songs, exploring themes of family, love, and self-discovery.
Camp Rock
Cheetah Girls
Coco
Descendants
Encanto
Enchanted
Greatest Showman
Hercules
High School Musical 1, 2, 3
Moana
Mulan
Tangled
The Jungle book
The Princess and the Frog
The Wizard of Oz
Zombies
Annie tells the story of an optimistic orphan who wins the heart of wealthy businessman Oliver Warbucks and brings joy and hope to those around her. The musical features catchy numbers and a heartwarming tale of resilience and family.
Based on the Disney animated film, Beauty and the Beast follows Belle, a young woman who finds herself in a magical castle with a cursed Beast. As she uncovers the true nature of the Beast, she helps him break the spell and discovers love in the process.
Cinderella is the classic fairy tale of a kind young woman who, with the help of her Fairy Godmother, transforms into a beautiful princess and captures the heart of a prince. The story emphasizes themes of kindness, magic, and the triumph of goodness over adversity.
Frozen tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, whose bond is tested when Elsa's magical ice powers inadvertently plunge their kingdom into eternal winter. The musical explores themes of family, self-acceptance, and the power of love.
The Lion King follows the journey of Simba, a young lion who flees his kingdom after the death of his father, only to return as an adult to reclaim his rightful place as king. The musical features stunning visuals, memorable songs, and a powerful story of redemption and leadership.
Mary Poppins is about a magical nanny who arrives to care for the Banks children and brings whimsy, order, and joy into their lives. Through enchanting adventures and memorable songs, she helps the family rediscover love and the importance of imagination.
Newsies tells the true story of the 1899 newspaper boys' strike in New York City, led by Jack Kelly, who fights against unfair working conditions and exploitation. The musical is known for its energetic dance numbers and themes of solidarity and justice.
The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living life on land and falls in love with a human prince. Her journey involves dealing with the sea witch Ursula’s manipulative schemes and discovering what it truly means to belong.
101 Dalmatians is a musical adaptation of the classic story where Pongo and Perdita, two dalmatian dogs, embark on a daring rescue mission to save their stolen puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil. The story is filled with adventure, comedy, and a celebration of family.
Dear Edwina features Edwina, a young girl who gives advice to her friends and family through a series of musical numbers. As she navigates the ups and downs of her life, she learns about the value of self-acceptance and friendship.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a comedic look at a spelling bee competition featuring a diverse group of quirky and endearing contestants. The musical highlights the personal stories and comedic struggles of each participant in their quest for victory.
Musicals listed in no particular order.
Caretakers are encouraged to create open dialogue around these topics, and set guidelines and boundaries surrounding what songs, shows, topics and language should be avoided for their current age group.
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Violence, Death, Social Injustice
Example: “I Dreamed a Dream” (features themes of despair and suffering)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Violence, Gore, Dark Humor
Example: “Dentist!” (includes dark, violent humor about sadistic behavior)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Bullying, Sexual Content, Body Image
Example: “Apex Predator” (discusses themes of bullying and sexual innuendos)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Sexual Content, Drug Use, Violence
Example: “Roxanne” (features explicit sexual and violent themes)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Mental Illness, Suicide, Drug Use
Example: “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” (deals with themes of mental illness and suicide)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: HIV/AIDS, Drug Use, Sexual Content
Example: “La Vie Bohème” (contains explicit content and references to drug use)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Death, Trauma, Dark Humor
Example: “The Ballad of Jane Doe” (features themes of death and dark humor)
Rating: PG
Sensitive Topics: Sexual Inuendos
Example: "All You Wanna Do" describes Katherine Howard's grooming, assault and objectification.
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Violence, Gore, Death
Example: “A Little Priest” (contains graphic descriptions of violence and murder)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Violence, Racial Tensions, Death
Example: “Cool” (contains themes of gang violence and racial conflict)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Domestic Abuse, Unplanned Pregnancy, Emotional Struggles
Example: “Bad Idea” (portrays an affair between patient and doctor)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Religion, Sexual Content, Profanity
Example: “Hasa Diga Eebowai” (contains explicit language and religious satire)
Rating: PG-13
Sensitive Topics: Death, Dark Humor, Supernatural Elements
Example: “Dead Mom” (explores themes of death and dark humor)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Bullying, Violence, Sexual Content
Example: “Carrie” (features graphic violence and bullying)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Crime, Corruption, Violence
Example: “Cell Block Tango” (includes themes of crime and violence)
Rating: PG
Sensitive Topics: Tells the story of a small town when the Twin Towers were hit on September 11. Songs are all family friendly, while content is considered heavy for young kids.
Rating: PG
Sensitive Topics: Sexual Content, Teenage Relationships
Example: “Summer Nights” (includes references to teenage romance and innuendo)
Rating: PG
Sensitive Topics: Family Dysfunction, Ambition
Example: “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” (deals with themes of family ambition and dysfunction)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Bullying, Suicide, Violence
Example: “Dead Girl Walking” (features themes of violence and suicide)
Rating: R
Sensitive Topics: Transgender Identity, Sexual Content, Drug Use
Example: “Wig in a Box” (deals with themes of gender identity and sexual content)