It’s amazing to think that kids as young as 9 can handle leading a Broadway show (looking at you, Matilda). But it turns out that talented triple threats come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Here’s a list of songs for, about, and sung by kids – some of them have turned into iconic musical theater songs known all over the world!
Young Cosette sings “Castle on a Cloud” as she dreams of a place far away from the world she knows – one where instead of working all day, she has toys, friends, and is taken care of by people who love her.
Who Wrote It? Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Who Sang It? Zoë Hart originated the role in the 1985 West End production.
Winnie Foster has always been a “good girl” – she stays home, plays by the rules, and always listens to her mother. But lately, she’s been feeling an urge to follow her own path, even if it gets her into trouble.
Who Wrote It? Music by Chris Miller, lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Who Sang It? Sarah Charles Lewis
Little Red Riding Hood has had some lessons. After being tricked by the wolf, she’s a little wiser, and a little less innocent, about the world she lives in.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Who Sang It? Danielle Ferland originated the role on Broadway.
“I Know It’s Today” sees Fiona transform from a little girl into a young woman. Young, teenage, and adult Fiona sing together as they bemoan their existence locked in a tower, waiting for a prince to rescue them. But they know from other fairy tale books that someone is definitely coming – and it’s going to be the man of her dreams.
Who Wrote It? Music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Who Sang It? Leah Greenhaus, Marissa O’Donnell, and Sutton Foster
Annie dreams about who her parents could be and what they might be doing at this exact moment. She doesn’t really care who they are, as long as they love her and are coming to take her away from the orphanage and Miss Hannigan.
Who Wrote It? Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin
Who Sang It? Andrea McArdle originated the role on Broadway
Jane Banks, with a little help from her brother Michael, writes an ad for the perfect nanny. She must play games, be kind, give her and her siblings treats, and sing songs. In return, the kids promise not to play any mean tricks on her.
Who Wrote It? Music by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, and George Stiles, lyrics by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, and Anthony Drewe
Who Sang It? Nicola Bowman, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Poppy Lee Friar, Charlotte Spencer, and Faye Spittlehouse shared the role of Jane Banks on the West End.
Matilda loves to read, and she can’t help but be frustrated that the characters in books don’t do anything to change their circumstances. But she knows that her own life isn’t already written for her. Even if life is sometimes unfair, it doesn’t mean she has to take things lying down. She’ll decide her own story…even if she has to be a little bit naughty to put things right.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Who Sang It? Cleo Demetriou, Eleanor Worthington Cox, Kerry Ingram, Sophia Kiely originated the role on the West End, and Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon, and Milly Shapiro played the role on Broadway.
Matilda is starting to realize that she’s a little bit different from her friends. The world often seems so loud and angry and overwhelming, but Matilda also knows how to protect herself and finds peace in solitude and quietness.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Who Sang It? Cleo Demetriou, Eleanor Worthington Cox, Kerry Ingram, Sophia Kiely originated the role on the West End, and Sophia Gennusa, Oona Laurence, Bailey Ryon, and Milly Shapiro played the role on Broadway.
Young Alison sees a confident gay woman and is fascinated by her. Everything from her lace up boots to her ring of keys speaks to Alison, who feels a kinship with her.
Who Wrote It? Music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Lisa Kron
Who Sang It? Sydney Lucas
Dodger takes Oliver under his wing and welcomes him into the gang, saying they already consider him a friend and part of their family.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Lionel Bart
Who Sang It? Martin Horsey originated the role of the Artful Dodger.
Billy, the son of a coal miner, explains what dancing feels like – he finally decides that it feels most like electricity, like being free.
Who Wrote It? Music by Elton John, lyrics by Lee Hall
Who Sang It? Liam Mower, James Lomas, and George Maguire originated the role of Billy Elliot on the West End.
Michael tells Billy that there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself. Michael likes wearing dresses, and Billy likes to dance – so they should do that and not worry about what anyone else thinks.
Who Wrote It? Music by Elton John, lyrics by Lee Hall
Who Sang It? Ryan Longbottom, Ashley Luke Lloyd, and Brad Kavanagh originated the role of Michael andLiam Mower, James Lomas, and George Maguire originated the role of Billy Elliot on the West End.
Simba is fed up with doing what he’s told. He can’t wait to be in charge – then he’ll finally be giving orders for a change and be able to do whatever he wants.
Who Wrote It? Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice
Who Sang It? Scott Irby-Ranniar originated the role of Young Simba on Broadway. Jonathan Taylor Thomas voiced the role in the Disney animated film.
Gavroche warns the Inspector not to underestimate little people – they can do more than you think and be much fiercer than expected. The role of Gavroche is written as male but is sometimes played by actors of all genders.
Who Wrote It? Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Who Sang It? Ian Tucker, Oliver Spencer, and Liza Hayden originated the role of Gavroche.
Harold Hill gives young Winthrop confidence and teaches him a song – “Gary, Indiana” – which he sings for his mother and sister, delighting them with his enthusiasm.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Meredith Willson
Who Sang It? Eddie Hodges originated the role of Winthrop Paroo on Broadway. Ron Howard played the role in the film adaptation.
Toby tells Mrs. Lovett that he’ll never let anything happen to her. Dangers lurk around every corner, and bad men are everywhere, but he’ll protect her no matter what.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Who Sang It? Ken Jennings originated the role on Broadway (no relation to the Jeopardy! Host)
Oliver is punished and kept in a basement after he fights a boy for insulting his mother. Oliver wonders when he will finally meet people he cares about and who care for him.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Lionel Bart
Who Sang It? Keith Hamshere originated the role of Oliver on the West End, and Bruce Prochnik played the role on Broadway.
Maria teaches the kids how to sing by starting with the basics: do-re-mi. Once the kids master the notes, they soon learn whole melodies and songs.
Who Wrote It? Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Who Sang It? Mary Martin originated the role of Maria on Broadway. Julie Andrews played the role in the film adaptation.
The boys subsist on a diet of gruel, but they dream of feasts with custard and pudding and sausage. Food, glorious food!
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Lionel Bart
Who Sang It? The company of Oliver!
Annie and the orphans sing about how hard their life is – other kids may get treats or affection, but they get chores and abuse.
Who Wrote It? Music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin
Who Sang It? The company of Annie
Peter Pan and the Lost Boys sing about how they never want to grow up if growing up means wearing a tie, going to work, and forgetting all the wonderful, fun things about being a child.
Who Wrote It? Music by Moose Charlap with additional music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh with additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Who Sang It? The company of Peter Pan
The students wish their parents would listen to them instead of dismissing what they have to say in “If Only You Would Listen.”
Who Wrote It? Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater
Who Sang It? The company of School of Rock
When a thunderstorm spooks them, Maria calms the kids down by telling them to think of their favorite things – things like rain drops on roses or whiskers on kittens.
Who Wrote It? Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Who Sang It? Mary Martin originated the role of Maria on Broadway. Julie Andrews played the role in the film adaptation.
After being pushed too far, the students revolt against Ms Trunchbull and stand up for themselves. Never again will they be bullied and pushed around.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Who Sang It? The company of Matilda the Musical
The kids sing about everything they’ll do when they grow up – from eating candy and going to bed late to being brave and strong.
Who Wrote It? Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin
Who Sang It? The company of Matilda the Musical
Looking to listen to even more great music from Broadway musicals? Check out our article on Best Broadway Cast Recordings and Movie Musical Soundtracks!
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