Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another article here at StageSideUK. This time around, I wanted to voice my opinions on the use of formulas within musical theatre, particularly in relation to historical figures. I have chosen not to use the names of shows that didn’t hit home with me within the article, as I know negative attention can be hugely detrimental to a production. I do not mean to belittle or offend but to share my thoughts on how musical theatre seems to have changed over the last few years, and touch on the rise of the historical musical.
An identifiable formula has emerged in musical theatre, one that’s strikingly simple and clearly commercially successful: pick a famous historical figure, inject a playlist of catchy, modern songs, add a few contemporary twists, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a hit musical.
From a hip-hop take on America’s founding fathers to a pop-star portrayal of Henry VIII’s wives, it seems every corner of history is being mined for potential stage spectacles. But while these productions have their charms and I am a true fan of some historical musicals, I have a feeling that the genre might be losing its depth and originality.
Are musicals losing their creative spark? And does the trend toward “retelling” history with modern beats risk diluting the power that musical theatre has long held? Lets take a dive into the world of the Historical musical.
The Rise of the Historical Musical
It’s easy to see why this trend has taken off. Historical figures offer built-in intrigue, and offer a well-known household name as a starting block, pairing them with a musical format instantly freshens up what might otherwise seem stale or overly familiar. When Hamilton first burst onto the scene, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary use of hip-hop to tell Alexander Hamilton’s story was innovative and audacious, introducing a diverse cast and a modern sound to a traditional narrative. Similarly SIX the musical introduced a fresh take on the history of Henry the Eighth and his wives, with a comedic and musical twist. But since then, this formula has been repeated with varying levels of success. Some shows have seemingly taken well-known figures and stories and given them a pop-music facelift. The aim is to make history relatable, but I have seen a few productions fall short, coming across as “edutainment” rather than as groundbreaking theatre.
The issue isn’t with the historical theme itself—it’s with the predictability. By following this plug-and-play approach, musical theatre risks becoming a production conveyor belt of similar ideas, wrapped in different costumes with different scores. The modern beat can feel more like a gimmick than a meaningful creative choice, and often these shows lack the emotional resonance of the trailblazers before them. I can’t count the times I have been tapping my feet and clapping along, but rarely moved to tears or left in awe, as I was the first time I saw SIX.
The Limitations of Simple Formulaic Storytelling
Historically, musical theatre has been a platform for inventive storytelling, one that combined emotional depth with spectacle to create unforgettable experiences. Classics like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, or West Side Story captured audiences with complex characters, powerful themes, and music that enhanced the narrative without feeling like a sales pitch. But with today’s tendency to focus on formula, the genre risks losing the emotional layers that made those shows timeless.
In many modern ‘historical retelling’ musicals, characters are often reduced to archetypes or caricatures, limiting the show’s ability to explore nuanced stories. By prioritising catchy tunes over emotional authenticity, these musicals often struggle to leave a lasting impact. They’re entertaining in the moment, sure—but how many of these shows will still be playing in a decade? Will audiences continue to revisit these songs, or will they move on to the next retelling musical that comes along?
What’s Missing?
The beauty of musical theatre lies in its ability to transport audiences to new emotional spaces. At its best, theatre challenges perceptions, ideas and beliefs. It inspires empathy and leaves a lasting impact long after the theatregoer has left the venue. Many of today’s historical retelling musicals seem more focused on the hook, or the sell, than the heart, relying on snappy lyrics and references rather than attempting to dig into the emotions of their subjects. Even smash-hit successes seem to be base level and fail to tap into the deeper emotional material that is there.
Moreover, this trend has led to a stagnation in thematic diversity. With so much of the focus on historical figures, modern musicals focus more on the historic, blurring the lines between contemporary and classic, and often neglect contemporary stories or unexplored perspectives. Rather than continuing to reinvent the form, I believe many productions are playing it safe by choosing historical narratives with a pre-existing fan base or educational relevance and using that as their initial marketing push.
Perhaps part of the issue is the commercial pressure. With rising ticket prices and intense competition, producers may feel safer investing in a show with a clear hook and recognisable figures than in something riskier or more abstract. But the very best musicals have often taken those risks, pushing boundaries and drawing audiences into unexpected, deeply felt experiences. I have seen shows across the county, in smaller venues, that focus on deeper rooted issues or offer superb theatrical experiences and yet they can’t get a foot in the door. Perhaps these shows find it hard to marketing their production in a saturated space of whoever shouts the loudest gets heard, or perhaps their mission is to tap into smaller community spaces. I just qonder, if the show was marketed at the same level as these historical musicals, would audiences take the chance on it—and will producers take the risk to bring it to bigger stages?
The Need for More Original Stories
There are, of course, exceptions. Shows like Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away (though linked to a historical period) have captivated audiences without relying on historical icons, choosing instead to explore contemporary issues and universal themes of connection, loneliness, and community. These shows resonate because they tackle emotions and situations that feel real, authentic, and immediate. They provide a catharsis and connection that are often missing from more formulaic retellings.
Hadestown, which takes an ancient myth as its source material, managed to break new ground by creating a rich, immersive world with a unique musical style. Rather than simply slapping a modern beat on an old story, Hadestown developed its own soundscape and style, creating a timeless piece that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s a prime example of how musical theatre can reinterpret classic material in a way that feels genuinely innovative rather than gimmicky.
Where Does Musical Theatre Go From Here?
For musical theatre to recapture its spark, it may need to step away from the historical trend and focus on telling stories that resonate more deeply in the modern world. There’s an entire world of stories waiting to be told—from underrepresented voices, from communities around the world, from contemporary lives and modern experiences. Musicals that dare to delve into these narratives, that push the boundaries of form, artistic expression, musicality and storytelling, will likely be the ones that leave a lasting impact.
That’s not to say historical figures should be left out of the spotlight entirely. There’s a place for these stories, but it’s time to bring them to life with a greater focus on nuance and originality and step away from the concert presentation of [insert historical figure here]. History can be a powerful teacher, but it should be presented in a way that feels authentic rather than predictable. By challenging these existing conventions and investing in bold ideas, musical theatre has the potential to return to its roots as an art form that both entertains and enlightens, whilst simultaneously being a commercial success.
Modern musical theatre is at a crossroads. On one path lies the comfort of formulaic retellings, with flashy costumes, catchy songs, and familiar faces from history. On the other lies the potential for a new era of storytelling that embraces risk, complexity, and authenticity.
In the end, it’s the depth of experience, not the historical figure, that keeps audiences coming back for more. Theatre’s power lies in its ability to bridge the gap between reality and fiction, offer an escape or a mirror, and a moment of shared humanity. To preserve that spark, the genre must look beyond formulas and find stories that challenge, move, and inspire, leaving audiences not just entertained, but inspired.
Have your say!
What do you think? Do you like the formula of the historical musical, or do you think we should focus on new ideas? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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