Here’s a bit of summer homework for the last weeks before school starts: A reading list of the books that inspired some of the Broadway productions this upcoming season. Perhaps you have already seen some of the shows listed, but have you read the stories that influenced them? This list is particularly helpful in understanding the relationship between literature and theater. Sounds like a good lesson plan idea!

 The Complete Little Orphan Annie Volume 1: Will Tomorrow Ever Come? Daily Comics 1924-1927

By Harold Gray

Are you excited for the return of Annie to Broadway? Read the original comics that inspired the little red headed orphan to come to life.

Cinderella

By Charles Perrault

Cinderella is perhaps one of the most well-known fairy tale characters. Did you know that the story was originally written by Charles Perrault based on folk tales? Check it out before Cinderella comes to Broadway!

Mary Poppins

By P.L. Travers

Have you seen Mary Poppins flying over the audience in the New Amsterdam Theatre? Read more about her flights in the children’s series by P.L. Travers.

Matilda

By Roald Dahl

London’s hit musical Matilda is coming to Broadway! You may be familiar with the movie but have you read the book?

Peter and the Starcatchers

By Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Writer Rick Elice wrote the Tony Award winning play Peter and the Starcatcher based on this children’s novel about the famous Peter Pan.

The Phantom of the Opera: The Original Novel

By Gaston Leroux

The musical The Phantom of the Opera is currently in its 25^th year. However, the story dates back to the beginning of the 20^th century with the French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux.

Porgy

By DuBose Heyward

The Gershwins gained their idea for the classic musical Porgy and Bess from the novel Porgy by DuBose Hayward. See what changes they made from the novel to the stage!

Rebecca

By Daphne DuMaurier

Adapted into a play, television show, and movie, this story is moving to Broadway with a production of the same title, Rebecca, this fall.

Spider-Man

Comic Series

One of the most famous superheroes, Spider-Man, gained popularity as a comic book star. Catch up on some of his adventures the comics before seeing Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.

War Horse

By Michael Morpurgo

Before it was a movie or a stage production, War Horse was the novel by Michael Morpurgo about the bond between human and horse in a time of War.

Wicked

By Gregory Maguire

The story of Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West is one of the most famous tales of good versus evil. Have you ever thought to learn more about just who was the Wicked Witch? Read about it in the book that inspired the musical Wicked.