Musicals in Madrid continue this fall with something for everyone. Gran Vía has little to envy Broadway; here, shows flourish and multiply, so much so that even The Economist has highlighted their growth in the city since the pandemic in an article about the capital.
There are romantic classics, fantasy, new shows with a pop twist, and even musical tributes; the diversity of shows flooding the capital makes it difficult to choose just one.
What happened in Oz before Dorothy fell from the sky? That’s the question answered by Wicked, the musical, the Broadway phenomenon that comes to Madrid to transport us to a universe of glitter, witches, and friendship. The story centers on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the intelligent young woman with green skin who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and the popular Glinda, the future Good Witch. The musical is a fun reflection on good and evil, accompanied by an unforgettable soundtrack by Stephen Schwartz, which includes songs such as “Defying Gravity” and “For Good.”
A new theater designed in homage to the Hollywood star has opened its doors in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district to host the world premiere of the musical Buscando a Audrey(Looking for Audrey). Set on Broadway, New York, the new musical tells the story of the search for the perfect protagonist for a production about Hepburn. Grammy winner Fernando Velázquez, composer of soundtracks for hits such as The Impossible, The Orphanage, and Eight Basque Surnames, wrote the score.
Les Misérables, the musical
This spring, Madrid once again welcomes one of the most iconic musicals of all time. Les Misérables, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production based on Victor Hugo’s literary work of the same name, will arrive at the Teatro Apolo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its London premiere, transporting us to post-revolutionary France in a story of love, justice, and redemption.
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 that has been enjoyed by more than 16 million spectators in 19 countries, featuring anthems such as We Are the Champions, I Want to Break Free, and Bohemian Rhapsody.
The story is set in a dystopian future where music has been banned. During the show, some rebels will defy repression while awaiting the arrival of a leader who will make the return of music possible through rock.
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 audience to the African savannah through both its music and its different settings. World-renowned musical talents (Elton John, Tim Rice, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer) and theatrical talents (Julie Taymor) came together to create this work, fusing sophisticated disciplines from 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 significant musical in the history of the genre on Broadway, achieving unbeatable sales since its premiere in 1997 and establishing itself as the most successful musical at the box office.
Cinderella, the musical
The musical Cinderella reinvents the story we all know with a modern twist that captivates young and old alike. This first-rate production brings to life the dream of a young woman who longs for a better future, accompanied by stunning visual effects and the unforgettable soundtrack by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The Madrid production features a stellar cast, led by Paule Mallagaray as Cinderella, Briel González as the Prince, Mayca Teba as the Fairy Godmother, and Mariola Peña as the dreaded Stepmother.
The Pillars of the Earth, the musical
The musical The Pillars of the Earth, based on Ken Follett’s famous novel, comes to Madrid with an innovative proposal that combines 360º projections, surround sound, and artificial intelligence. This show, created by the team behind El Médico, transforms the EDP Gran Vía Theater into an immersive stage that transports the audience to 12th-century England.
Set in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, the story has captivated millions since its publication in 1989, becoming the most widely read novel in Spain according to the Federation of Publishers’ Guilds. With more than 26 million copies sold worldwide, this work now comes to life as one of Madrid’s musicals.