Curtain Call for 2025: StageAgent’s Top 10 Most-Viewed Show Guides 🎭

As the curtain falls on 2025, we’ve been taking a look back at the shows that captured the most attention on StageAgent this year—and the results are no surprise to anyone who loves musical theatre. From Broadway classics to modern favourites, these ten show guides were the most-viewed on our site, searched by students, teachers, performers, and directors alike. Whether people were researching for class, choosing their next production, or simply falling down a musical theatre rabbit hole, these titles kept stealing the spotlight. So grab your playbill—here are the top 10 most-viewed StageAgent show guides of 2025!

1. The Addams Family

Creepy, kooky, and completely irresistible, The Addams Family continues to charm schools and community theatres alike. With its instantly recognisable characters, snappy one-liners, and surprisingly heartfelt story about love and growing up, it’s a perfect blend of spooky fun and family-friendly humour. Add in crowd-pleasing ensemble numbers and roles for performers of all ages, and it’s no wonder directors and students keep coming back for more—because who doesn’t love a musical where being weird is something to celebrate?

2. Into the Woods

Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods remains a favourite for performers who love a challenge and audiences who enjoy a fairy tale with bite. By mashing together classic stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk, the show starts sweet and ends surprisingly deep. Its clever lyrics, complex characters, and thought-provoking second act make it a dream for drama students digging into themes, subtext, and musical storytelling—plus, “No One Is Alone” never fails to hit home.

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

3. Chicago

All that jazz—and all that attitude—keeps Chicago firmly in the spotlight. With its sizzling Bob Fosse choreography, iconic songs like “Cell Block Tango,” and razor-sharp satire of fame and media obsession, this musical feels as relevant now as ever. It’s flashy, funny, and wonderfully cynical, making it a popular pick for students exploring stylised performance, dance-heavy storytelling, and characters who are deliciously morally questionable.

4. Cabaret

Dark, daring, and devastating, Cabaret continues to captivate readers for its bold blend of entertainment and political commentary. Set against the rise of the Nazi regime in 1930s Berlin, the show uses the Kit Kat Club’s glitz and glamour to expose a society on the brink of collapse. Drama students are drawn to its complex themes, unforgettable characters like the Emcee and Sally Bowles, and the challenge of balancing performance with powerful historical context.

5. Hadestown

Few modern musicals have made an impact quite like Hadestown. This folk- and jazz-inspired retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth has become a fan favourite thanks to its poetic storytelling, haunting music, and rich symbolism. With its themes of love, hope, and the cycles of power, the show offers endless material for analysis—plus, it’s a masterclass in how contemporary musicals can feel both ancient and completely modern.

Amber Gray and the original Broadway cast of Hadestown. Credit Matthew Murphy

6. Little Shop of Horrors

A talking, man-eating plant named Audrey II is reason enough to keep Little Shop of Horrors trending year after year. This horror-comedy musical blends 1960s doo-wop style with dark humour and an offbeat love story that audiences adore. It’s especially popular with schools for its manageable cast size, memorable songs, and opportunities for puppetry and technical creativity—because nothing says theatre magic like a giant carnivorous plant stealing the show.

7. Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde proves that pink can be powerful. Bursting with energy, catchy pop-inspired numbers, and a fiercely likeable heroine, the show is a favourite for performers and audiences alike. Elle Woods’ journey from underestimated fashion major to confident law student is uplifting, funny, and full of heart. It’s a go-to for schools thanks to its strong female roles, big ensemble moments, and message that being yourself is your greatest strength.

8. Seussical

Bright colours, playful rhymes, and beloved Dr. Seuss characters keep Seussical high on the most-viewed list. By weaving together stories from Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat, and more, the show creates a whimsical world that’s perfect for younger performers and family audiences. Beneath the fun, though, are meaningful themes about loyalty, imagination, and standing up for what’s right—making it both entertaining and surprisingly thoughtful.

9. Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical continues to win hearts by turning fairy-tale clichés completely upside down. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, show-stopping ensemble numbers, and an unexpectedly tender love story, it’s a hit with performers of all ages. The show’s celebration of outsiders, self-acceptance, and unlikely heroes makes it especially appealing for school productions—and let’s be honest, who can resist a tap-dancing dragon?

10. Mamma Mia!

Here we go again—Mamma Mia! remains one of the most beloved jukebox musicals of all time. Powered by ABBA’s iconic pop hits, the show delivers sunshine, romance, and pure escapism in every scene. Its simple, feel-good story, strong roles for women, and infectious energy make it a favourite for productions and study alike. Whether you’re analysing structure or just singing along to “Dancing Queen,” this musical is guaranteed to leave audiences smiling.

🎭What do these most-viewed shows have in common? Memorable characters, iconic music, and stories that continue to resonate with performers and audiences across generations. Whether it’s a fairy tale with a twist, a high-energy comedy, or a thought-provoking musical with something important to say, these productions prove that great theatre never goes out of style. As we head into a brand-new year of learning, performing, and storytelling, we can’t wait to see which shows take centre stage next. Until then, happy researching—and here’s to another year of theatre magic on StageAgent. 🎭

If you would like to geek out over our Top 10 stats even more, here's a breakdown of the top plays and operas you also loved this year!

Top 10 Plays

• Clue on Stage
• Radium Girls
• Almost Maine
• Peter and the Starcatcher
• Alice in Wonderland
• Gruesome Playground Injuries
• Rumors
• DNA
• The Play that Goes Wrong
• Our Town

Top 10 Operas

• Carmen
• Il Trovatore
• Le Nozze di Figaro
• Aida
• Pagliacci
• Street Scene
• La Bohème
• Porgy and Bess
• Don Giovanni
• Das Rheingold
• Suor Angelica