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Imagine the thrill of watching your favorite novel come to life on a Broadway stage. When characters you’ve met in print step into the spotlight, their stories are invigorated by the energy of live theatre.

Through detailed sets, dazzling music, riveting choreography, and intricate costumes, novels are brought to life before our eyes, and offer fresh perspectives and a deeper dive into familiar themes.

 Whether you’re an avid reader, a theatre lover, or someone who simply delights in a good story, come along as we explore the world where literature and Broadway collide.

The Outsiders: “Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold”


The Outsiders, penned by S.E. Hinton at the tender age of 16, has captured the hearts of readers across generations. Since its 1967 release, the novel has explored themes of teenage rivalry, class struggle, and the quest for belonging.

Hinton’s depiction of the tensions between the “Greasers” and the “Socs” in 1960’s Oklahoma holds a revered place in young adult literature.


[Cherry and Pony Boy; photo by Matthew Murphy]

The Broadway musical adaptation of The Outsiders reimagines this powerful narrative with a stirring mix of drama, music, and raw emotion. Brought to life by Adam Rapp’s adaptation and directed by Danya Taymor, the production stays true to the novel’s gritty realism and emotional depth. The musical score, crafted by Jamestown Revival in collaboration with Justin Levine, heightens the story’s emotional impact, weaving an evocative musical tapestry that resonates deeply with its audience.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: “We’ll find a way to fight it, Harry. We always have.”


Written by Jack Thorne, with a story developed by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Thorne, the play picks up the magical saga where the book series left off. Published in 2016 as the eighth installment, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child revives the world of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, now grappling with adulthood.

In this production, the spotlight has shifted to the next generation, focusing on Harry’s youngest, Albus Severus, growing up in the shadow of his father’s legacy.


[Fire in the Church with Myers Haggard; photo by Matthew Murphy]

Directed by John Tiffany and enriched by musical compositions from Imogen Heap, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child debuted on Broadway in 2018, and captured audiences with its display of the wizarding world through mesmerizing visual effects, magical set design, and a story that has enchanted fans and newcomers alike.


A standout feature of this adaptation is its use of stagecraft and illusion to animate the sorcery integral to the story—spells, flight, and transformations are all brilliantly executed. This, combined with the narrative’s emotional depth, invites audiences to once again step into the spellbinding universe of Harry Potter, making it an unforgettable theatrical experience.


[Maya Boyd in & Juliet; photo by Matthew Murphy]

& Juliet: “She doth teach the torches to burn bright.”


& Juliet is a jukebox musical with a new take on one of history’s most renowned plays, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. Originating from the late 16th century, Shakespeare’s classic tale of tragic love has inspired various interpretations over the centuries, telling the story of young lovers whose fateful end mends the rift between their battling families.


& Juliet turns the well-trodden narrative on its head. With a book by David West Read and music from the prolific Max Martin, the show poses an intriguing twist: What if Juliet chooses life instead of the tragedy that befell her?

[Joey Fatone in & Juliet; photo by Matthew Murphy]

This lively production explores agency, empowerment, and love, all fuelled by an electrifying mix of catchy pop songs from the past 30 years.


A celebration of life, love, and a woman’s right to shape her own destiny, the musical features chart-toppers such as …Baby One More Time, Everybody, and I Want It That Way, all seamlessly integrated into this fresh retelling.


Broadway presents a thrilling adventure that can be as engaging and enriching as reading the original tales. If you’re seeking a new cultural indulgence, these shows promise to deliver.

This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection. Non-watermarked images courtesy of The Broadway Collection.