Musicals in Madrid continue this spring with proposals for all tastes. The Gran Vía has little to envy to Broadway, here the shows flourish and multiply, so much so that even The Economist has highlighted in an article on the capital its growth in the city since the pandemic.
There are romantic classics, fantasy, novelties with a good pop touch and even sung biographies; the diversity of the shows that flood the capital makes it difficult to choose just one.
Gypsy, the musical
Gypsy, considered one of the best musicals in history, tells the story of an ambitious mother who fights for her daughters’ success while yearning for her own. Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, this classic of American musical theater arrives in Spain with a production directed by Antonio Banderas and live music performed by the Larios Pop Orchestra of Soho. This Broadway gem, starring Marta Ribera as Rose, combines humor, emotion and an unforgettable score with hits such as Se abre un camino de Rosas and Voy a entreteneros.
📍 Location: Teatro Apolo (Plaza de Tirso de Molina, 1)
The Book of Mormon
The Mormons, or the followers of the Church of the Latter Day Saint Movement, founded by the American Joseph Smith in 1830, and their particular vision of Christianity, are the central theme of The Book of Mormon. This 4 Tony Award-winning musical is the big premiere of the season. The key to its success, already confirmed by the 9 million spectators in London and New York, lies in its acid humor and the great staging backed by SOM Produce, one of the largest producers of shows.
📍Location: Teatro Calderón (Callede Atocha, 18)
The Phantom of the Opera
Sometimes you just have to start at the beginning and in the case of musicals The Phantom of the Opera is the best place to start. This classic is the adaptation of the novel of the same name by Frenchman Gaston Leroux, which premiered more than 30 years ago on stage, but its mix of drama, horror and love makes it return to the Madrid billboard every so often and continues to receive the same good reception.
📍Location: UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz (Calle de la Paz, 11)
Aladdin
Aladdin has been produced by the same team of other successful Disney musicals, such as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. This musical has one of the most outstanding soundtracks of all time. The music, composed by the master of musicals and winner of 8 Oscars, Alan Menken (who has also composed other unforgettable soundtracks such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas), earned Aladdin the Oscar for Best Soundtrack and Best Original Song for An Ideal World.
Location: Teatro Coliseum de Madrid (Calle Gran Vía, 78)
We Will Rock You
We Will Rock You is an incredible musical based on the songs of the British band Queen. A production by Brian May and Roger Taylor with which more than 16 million spectators in 19 countries have enjoyed anthems such as We are the champions, I want to break free or Bohemian Rhapsody.
The story is set in a dystopian future where music has been banned. During the show, some rebels will defy repression while waiting for the arrival of a leader who will make possible the return of music through rock.
Location:Gran Teatro Caixabank Príncipe Pío (Cuesta de San Vicente, 44)
The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the most recognized musicals worldwide, having been seen by more than 110 million people around the world. The staging and characterization have made this show one of the most popular musicals in Madrid.
This musical transports the spectator to the African savannah through its music as well as the different scenarios. World-renowned musical (Elton John, Time Rice, Lebo M and Hans Zimmer) and theatrical (Julie Taymor) talents came together to create this work, fusing sophisticated disciplines of African, Western and Asian performing arts. The Lion King is a milestone in the world of entertainment that leaves no one indifferent. The Lope de Vega Theater has been hosting this production since October 2011.
The Lion King is the most important musical in the history of the genre on Broadway, reaching unsurpassed sales levels since its premiere in 1997 and establishing itself as the most successful musical at the box office.
Location: Lope de Vega Theater (Calle Gran Vía, 57)
Mamma Mia! The Musical
It’s hard not to know some of the songs from the musical Mamma Mía. The Rialto Theater hosts the second season of this musical after the success of the first one, with more than 300,000 spectators. With performances from Tuesday to Sunday, this is an adaptation of the well-known musical comedy built around the greatest hits of the Swedish group ABBA.
This romantic entanglement takes the audience to a Greek island paradise, where Sophie Sheridan is preparing for her wedding at her mother’s hotel. Sophie doesn’t know who her father is because her mother, Donna, has never told her. But everything changes when she finds her mother’s old diary, discovering that in the summer she was conceived Donna had affairs with three men – any one of them could be her father!
Location: Rialto Theater (Gran Vía Street, 54)
The Pillars of the Earth, the musical
The musical The Pillars of the Earth, based on the famous novel by Ken Follett, arrives in Madrid with an innovative proposal that combines 360º projections, surround sound and artificial intelligence. This show, created by the directors of El Médico, transforms the EDP Gran Vía Theater into an immersive stage that transports the audience to 12th century England.
The story, set in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, has captivated millions since its publication in 1989, becoming the most widely read novel in Spain according to the Publishers’ Guild Federation. With more than 26 million copies sold worldwide, this work now comes to life as one of the most anticipated musicals in Madrid until March 2025.
Location: EDP Gran Vía Theater (66 Gran Vía St.)
The Choirboys
The musical Los chicos del coro, an adaptation of the French film Les Choristes ( 2004), returns to Madrid’s Teatro La Latina until January 12, 2025, with performances from Wednesday to Sunday. Under the stage direction of José Luis Sixto and the musical direction of César Belda, this work combines live music, song and dance to recreate the emotional story that won over international audiences.
The plot follows Clément Mathieu, a failed teacher and musician who, in 1949, arrives as a caretaker at the “Fondo del Estanque” boarding school, a place for troubled children. Faced with the severe regime imposed by the director Rachin, Mathieu decides to form a choir with the students, discovering in them a musical talent that will change their lives. Music becomes a transforming tool that fosters friendship and restores hope to the children and the teacher.
Location: Teatro La Latina (Plaza de la Cebada, 2)