Compare real editions of Matilda, Into the Woods and Hadestown before choosing a musical for students.
MTL editorial planning guide · Updated
Our recommendations apply published production information to common theatre situations. Educators’ advice is paraphrased and credited below; cited authors and organisations have not endorsed MTL.
Start with the people, room and resources you have. These are suggested starting points for perusal, not promises of availability or cost.
Begin by comparing the JR. editions of Matilda and Into the Woods. Match the learning goal—character work, ensemble singing or storytelling—to the actual adapted script.
Before choosing: Shorter running time is not a difficulty rating. Have the music teacher assess the score and plan how students without lead roles will participate.
Compare the full-length Into the Woods with Hadestown: Teen Edition after a staff reading. Choose the dramatic material your team has time to explore, rather than selecting on the word “teen” alone.
Before choosing: Confirm eligibility, vocal demands and the whole rehearsal calendar. Do not assume a teen edition has the same story, duration or requirements as a JR. adaptation.
Choose between the editions only after marking the scenes and transitions in each script. Favour the option your team can rehearse in an ordinary room and transfer reliably to the hall.
Before choosing: Book time for scenery, sound and costume transitions in the actual venue. A short show can still be difficult to transfer if it relies on equipment unavailable in rehearsals.
Recorded catalogue details; confirm current materials and availability with the linked rights holder. Missing details are left unconfirmed.
| Show | Recorded cast / duration | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical Official MTI source ↗ | 14 roles + ensemble 2 acts Full length | Full-length record: compare against JR. before choosing. |
| Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. Official MTI source ↗ | 19 roles + ensemble 60 minutes Junior / JR. | Recorded as 60 minutes; assess the adaptation itself. |
| Into the Woods Official MTI source ↗ | 18 roles 2 acts Full length | Read the full-length treatment and score. |
| Into the Woods JR. Official MTI source ↗ | 21 roles + ensemble 60 minutes Junior / JR. | Compare the adapted story and rehearsal scope. |
| Hadestown: Teen Edition Official Concord source ↗ | 5w, 2m, 1 any gender + ensemble Full length Teen edition | Confirm eligibility and duration with Concord. |
MTI describes Broadway Junior JR. shows as 60-minute adaptations and KIDS shows as 30-minute adaptations. “Teen” and “School Edition” are not universal duration labels. Check the exact publisher’s eligibility rules, script and running time; do not infer them from another licensing company’s terminology.
For Matilda and Into the Woods, compare the full-length and JR. records below. Decide how much rehearsal time and performance time you have before choosing the story treatment. For Hadestown, ask Concord about the exact edition and eligibility for your organisation, territory and dates.
Read the matching script and score, identify suitable voices and ensemble assignments, and ask which materials come with the licence. Do not cut or combine versions yourself without the rights holder’s permission. A catalogue listing does not establish availability.
Craft puts students’ learning needs alongside performer strengths, the space, money and available time. Use those priorities to compare editions before a familiar title decides the choice for you.
Read: 5 Steps to Choosing Your Next Show ↗Compare two exact editions with your director, musical director and production lead. Record what is confirmed, what needs a quote and who will check it.
Open the printable comparison worksheetFree to print for your school or theatre. You can share a link to this guide with your team.
For show facts, use the official rights-holder links in the comparison above. MTL is an independent discovery guide and does not issue performance licences. The rights holder confirms availability and the terms for your production.
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