* Number of characters: 32
* Synopsis: Set in early 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who is trying to redeem himself. The musical follows Valjean as he encounters various characters, including the Thenardiers, Fantine, Cosette, and Marius.
* Notable songs: "I Dreamed a Dream", "Bring Him Home", "One Day More"
2. The Phantom of the Opera
* Number of characters: 28
* Synopsis: The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who terrorizes the Paris Opera House. The musical follows the Phantom as he falls in love with Christine Daaé, a young soprano.
* Notable songs: "The Music of the Night", "All I Ask of You", "Masquerade"
3. Cats
* Number of characters: 26
* Synopsis: Cats tells the story of a group of cats who gather at the Jellicle Ball to decide which one of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer. The musical follows the cats as they compete for attention and try to win the favor of the Jellicle Leader.
* Notable songs: "Memory", "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats", "Macavity: The Mystery Cat"
4. The Lion King
* Number of characters: 25
* Synopsis: The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is exiled from his home after his father's death. The musical follows Simba as he grows up and learns to embrace his destiny.
* Notable songs: "Circle of Life", "Hakuna Matata", "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
5. Wicked
* Number of characters: 23
* Synopsis: Wicked tells the story of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, who meet at Shiz University. The musical follows the two women as they become friends and then enemies.
* Notable songs: "Defying Gravity", "Popular", "Wicked Witch of the West"