Musical theater comedies are stage productions that combine music, dialogue, dance, and other theatrical elements to tell a comedic story. They typically feature witty lyrics and upbeat music, and they often end on a happy note.
Here are some GREAT Examples of Musical comedy musical productions
The Producers is a musical comedy that follows the story of two theater producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, as they attempt to get rich by producing a Broadway flop.
With the help of their flamboyant accountant, Ulla, and a less-than-helpful director, Roger De Bris, the pair set about producing a show that will make them a fortune by failing.
With a scheming lawyer, a chorus of old ladies and a neo-Nazi playwright, the stage is set for a hilarious tale of attempted fraud and ultimate redemption.
Little Shop of Horrors: This cult classic follows a meek florist’s assistant who discovers a strange and exotic plant with a taste for human blood. It is filled with plenty of dark humor and campy musical numbers, as well as a few touching moments.
- Little Shop of Horrors – Prime
- Little Shop of Horrors – Audrey Collectable Figure
- Little Shop of Horrors – Poster
The Book of Mormon: This musical comedy follows two Mormon missionaries as they attempt to spread their religion in a remote Ugandan village. It is filled with humorous and satirical moments as the two missionaries encounter various cultural challenges and try to convert the locals to Mormonism.
- Book of Mormon – CD
- Book of Mormon – Testment of a Broadway Musical (conception, illustrations, cast notes, lyrics)
Spamalot: This musical comedy is based on the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It follows King Arthur and his knights on their quest for the grail with plenty of comedic moments along the way. It features a mix of silly and outrageous characters, songs and jokes, as well as some clever references to the original film.
- Monty Python’s Total Rubbish The Complete Collection LP seven Collectors Item.
- Spamalot – Sheet music
Avenue Q: This musical follows a group of humans and puppets living in a run-down New York City neighborhood.
It is filled with outrageous characters and plenty of satirical humor, as well as a few touching songs about finding one’s purpose in life.
TheHairspray is a musical that follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big-haired Baltimore teenager who becomes an overnight celebrity after winning a spot on the local TV dance show.
With the help of her best friend Penny, her parents Edna and Wilbur and the dreamy Link Larkin, Tracy works to integrate the show and bring an end to the injustices of 1960s. Segregation.
- Hairspray – Movie DVD special edition
- Hairspray – Limited Edition
- Hairspray – Wig
- Hairspray – vocal, guitar and piano music score
Drowsy Chaperone: is a musical comedy set in the 1920s. The show follows a middle-aged, musical theatre fan who, upon listening to a favorite cast recording from the 1920s, is magically transported into the musical itself.
The story centers on a fictitious musical theater star, Janet Van De Graaff, who is about to marry oil tycoon Robert Martin.
As the show progresses, the fan interacts with the characters, providing humorous commentary and even influencing the show.
The show is filled with fun characters, elaborate sets, and a delightful score filled with classic Broadway tunes.
The show is an homage to the musicals of the Jazz Age, and is a delightful escape from the stresses of daily life.
- Drowsy Chaperone – Music LP
- Drowsy Chaperone – Movie
Crazy for You is a musical comedy set in 1930s New York City and Deadrock, Nevada. The show follows Bobby Child, a young banker who dreams of being a Broadway dancer.
When Bobby is sent to Deadrock to close down an old theater, he falls for the spunky Polly Baker, daughter of the theater’s owner.
Bobby hatches a plot to save the theater and win Polly’s heart. With the help of a wacky group of Deadrock locals, Bobby puts on a show that is sure to win over Polly and the whole town.
- Crazy for You – CD Original Sound track.
- Crazy for you – Vocal, Piano and Guitar Chords
Rock of Ages: Is a jukebox musical comedy-drama based on the hit songs of the 1980s, from the famous glam metal bands of the decade.
It follows the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
Along the way, they face the challenges of the rock and roll lifestyle, including the Rock of Ages battle between the original rockers and the corporate popsters.
- Rock of Ages – Blue Ray Extended Edition
- Rock of Ages – Prime Video Streaming
- Rock of Ages – Sound Track – Original
The Wedding Singer: Is a romantic comedy musical set in the 1980s.
It follows the story of Robbie Hart, a working-class wedding singer who is left at the altar by his fiancée. As Robbie deals with his broken heart, he meets Julia, an engaged waitress.
The two develop a strong connection. With the help of his friends, Robbie musters the courage to take a chance on love and win over the girl of his dreams.
Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, a few tears, and plenty of musical numbers that capture the spirit of the 1980s.
- The Wedding Singer – DVD
- The Wedding Singer Sheet Music by Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar
- The Wedding Singer CD
The School of Rock musical is based on the 2003 film of the same name.
It tells the story of Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school.
He discovers his students’ musical talents, and he enlists them to form a rock group and compete in the local Battle of the Bands.
Buy: The School of Rock a Musical Songbook by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Glen Slater.
- School of Rock – Prime Video Streaming Plan
- School of Rock – Blueray
- Buy a Blue Ray Player
Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and believing in yourself.
It’s an inspiring story about the power of music and the importance of self-expression. The musical features a score of classic rock songs, including “Stick It to the Man,” “School of Rock,” and “You’re in the Band.”
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: In the musical comedy Spelling Bee, an eclectic group of middle schoolers compete in a spelling bee.
As they spell their way through the competition, they learn about friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of being true to themselves.
With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Rachel Sheinkin, the musical is filled with humor and heart.
The misfit spellers find themselves in hilarious situations as they battle it out for the spelling bee trophy. But in the end, they all learn that it’s not about winning, but about the journey.
- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Album
Why Theater Companies Often Choose Comedies
Comedies are often chosen for musical theater productions because they allow for lighthearted entertainment and a more enjoyable experience for the audience.
They are also often more accessible than dramatic plays, and the comedy often helps to keep the audience engaged.
Furthermore, comedies often feature catchy songs, dance numbers, and witty dialogue that can add to the overall enjoyment of the show.
