Top 10 Contemporary Musicals You Need to See

Musicals have captivated audiences for over a century, evolving in ways that continuously keep them fresh and exciting. Today’s theatre scene is filled with contemporary musicals that bring modern stories, new music styles, and relevant themes to the stage. These productions showcase how musical theatre can address today’s issues, connect with diverse audiences, and still offer that magical escape we all seek when the curtain rises.

At Erewash Musical Society, based in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, we’re thrilled to bring these stories to our community. Our society has performed at The Duchess Theatre for many years, embracing both classic and contemporary productions. With a history that stretches back to 1895, Erewash Musical Society has grown and evolved, just like the world of musical theatre itself.

In this post, we’ll dive into ten contemporary musicals that capture the spirit, energy, and creativity of modern theatre. These shows are perfect for both theatre fans and performers who are looking for something fresh and inspiring.

What is a Contemporary Musical?

A contemporary musical is one that was created in recent decades—usually from the 1990s onward—and it’s often very different from the classic musicals that audiences know and love. While traditional musicals rely on big dance numbers, classic love stories, and familiar show tunes, contemporary musicals embrace new styles and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of the modern world. They often tackle real-life issues, such as mental health, social justice, and self-discovery, giving audiences a chance to see themselves and today’s world on stage.

These shows frequently use pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, and folk music, blending genres in ways that feel relevant to today’s audiences. For community theatre groups like Erewash Musical Society, contemporary musicals offer an exciting opportunity to reach out to new audiences and explore themes that resonate deeply with people of all ages.

What is Considered Contemporary Broadway?

Contemporary Broadway refers to the newer musicals currently running or recently staged in the world’s top theatre district. Shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Six have captured the imagination of audiences by combining innovative music, diverse casting, and stories that challenge what musical theatre can be. Contemporary Broadway brings a fresh perspective to the stage, proving that musicals can be as relevant and meaningful as any other form of storytelling.

For local theatre companies like ours, bringing contemporary Broadway shows to the community is a way to connect with younger audiences and offer something unique. These musicals can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, giving everyone a chance to experience the powerful stories told on stage.

Top 10 Must-See Contemporary Musicals

Here’s a look at ten contemporary musicals that have become iconic in their own right. These shows are packed with energy, creativity, and emotion—qualities that make them memorable and inspiring.

1. Hamilton – Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a ground-breaking musical that retells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, through the lens of hip-hop, rap, and R&B. The result is a fast-paced, modern show that has been described as revolutionary. Hamilton celebrates diversity with its cast and uses music that appeals to all ages, showing that even history can feel fresh and exciting. The show’s success has been global, and it’s inspired countless fans to see how theatre can push boundaries.
2. Dear Evan Hansen – This musical tackles the topics of mental health, social media, and the struggles of adolescence. It tells the story of Evan Hansen, a lonely teenager who finds himself caught in a complicated situation that spirals out of control. With its powerful ballads and emotional depth, Dear Evan Hansen is a musical that speaks directly to the challenges many young people face today. Its story is a reminder of the importance of kindness and connection.
3. Bad Girls the Musical – Inspired by the popular British television series, Bad Girls the Musical brings the harsh realities of prison life onto the stage, exploring loyalty, justice, and the bonds that form between women in difficult situations. Earlier this year, Erewash Musical Society proudly performed Bad Girls the Musical, and the response from our audience was incredible. It’s a story that resonates with audiences, showing that musicals can explore tough subjects while still entertaining and moving people.
4. Waitress – With music by Sara Bareilles, Waitress is a story of self-discovery, love, and empowerment. The musical follows Jenna, a talented pie-maker stuck in a difficult relationship, as she finds her way to happiness and independence. The songs are catchy, soulful, and full of emotion, making this musical a favourite among audiences. For theatre groups, Waitress offers both a fun and touching experience, with roles that allow performers to bring depth and heart to the stage.
5. Hadestown – Hadestown is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in a dark, industrial underworld. This musical combines jazz, folk, and blues music to create a haunting atmosphere, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Its unique style and deep emotional impact make it a captivating choice for theatre groups looking to try something different. The story draws audiences into a mythological world while feeling relevant to our own struggles and hopes.
6. Come From Away – Set in the days following 9/11, Come From Away tells the true story of a small town in Newfoundland that welcomed thousands of passengers whose flights were grounded. This musical celebrates compassion, community, and the power of human connection. With its folk-inspired music and touching narrative, Come From Away has become a favourite around the world, showing how theatre can bring people together even in difficult times.
7. Six – This musical reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop stars, giving each queen her own unique voice and style. Six is a fun, energetic show that blends history with modern pop music, creating a concert-like experience that appeals to younger audiences. Each queen tells her story in a way that’s both humorous and empowering, making Six a thrilling choice for anyone looking to experience something fresh and exciting.
8. Be More Chill – Be More Chill follows a high school student who takes a mysterious pill called a “SQUIP” (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor) to become more popular. With its energetic pop-rock score and relatable story about fitting in, Be More Chill has become a cult hit, especially among younger audiences. It’s a fun, quirky musical that explores themes of identity and peer pressure in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
9. Moulin Rouge! – Set in the bohemian world of Paris, Moulin Rouge! takes audiences on a journey of romance, drama, and adventure, featuring a jukebox score of popular songs from artists like Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Queen. The show’s stunning visuals and high-energy music make it a spectacular experience. This is a musical that feels like a celebration of life and love, perfect for theatre groups looking to create a big, bold production.
10. The Prom – The Prom is a joyful, inclusive musical about a high school girl fighting for her right to bring her girlfriend to prom. It’s a story about acceptance, love, and being true to yourself, filled with humour, heart, and memorable songs. The Prom has become a hit with audiences looking for a feel-good musical that also tackles meaningful themes. It’s a wonderful choice for community theatres, offering a message that everyone can embrace.

Erewash Musical Society: A Legacy of Theatre

Founded in 1895 as The Cooperative Senior Choir, Erewash Musical Society has been part of Derbyshire’s cultural fabric for over a century. Our society began with choral concerts and competitions, entertaining local audiences with beautiful music and performances. In 1930, we staged our first musical theatre production, Merrie England, marking the start of our journey into musical theatre.

After World War II, EMS continued to bring joy to the community, staging annual Gilbert and Sullivan productions. In 1964, we became Edacra Musical Society, and our repertoire grew to include well-known musicals like Oklahoma! and Carousel. We changed our name to Erewash Musical Society in 1978, embracing a wide variety of productions that reflect the spirit of our community.

Today, we perform twice a year at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, bringing everything from classic musicals to contemporary works to the stage. Our recent production of Bad Girls the Musical is a great example of our dedication to telling stories that resonate with modern audiences.

Joining Erewash Musical Society

For those who love theatre, joining Erewash Musical Society is a fantastic opportunity. Whether you’re an experienced performer or brand new to the stage, we welcome everyone with open arms. Our society is a place to learn, grow, and be part of a friendly, creative community that shares a love for musical theatre.

EMS offers roles both on stage and behind the scenes, allowing members to explore different aspects of theatre production. Twice a year, we come together to bring our shows to life, and each performance is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and talent of everyone involved.

Why Contemporary Musicals Matter

Contemporary musicals are a reflection of today’s world, offering stories that speak to modern audiences. They capture the energy, diversity, and complexity of our lives, showing us the beauty of both our struggles and triumphs. From the fast-paced rap of Hamilton to the emotional depth of Dear Evan Hansen, these musicals connect with audiences in ways that are both entertaining and meaningful.

For community theatre groups like EMS, contemporary musicals are a chance to reach new audiences and bring fresh, relevant stories to the stage. These shows allow us to explore different styles, themes, and emotions, connecting with audiences in a way that feels real and personal.

Whether you’re a fan of musicals, a performer, or someone curious about theatre, contemporary musicals offer something special. They challenge, inspire, and entertain, showing us the power of theatre to change how we see the world. At Erewash Musical Society, we’re honoured to bring these stories to life, celebrating the magic of live performance and making theatre accessible to everyone in our community.

Join us in celebrating the art of musical theatre, and discover how these modern shows can inspire, move, and entertain. At EMS, we’re proud to continue our legacy of bringing theatre to Long Eaton and beyond, one performance at a time.