Oh, high school musical season. An annual and beloved pastime that is anxiously anticipated by many students - and for good reason too. It is a great way for students to connect, learn a lot, and create a memory to cherish.
Unfortunately, many high school drama programs have a habit of selecting the same shows ad nauseam. We've all had to see the umpteenth high school production of Guys & Dolls, Oklahoma!, or Grease. Don't misunderstand - I think these are wonderful shows and that young people should continue to perform them. They have a lot to offer students including opportunities to understand musical theater history and the comfort of something truly loved by the masses. However, there are so many wonderful shows out there that have a lot to offer students and the community that are very rarely done.
It is with this thinking in mind that I have pulled together a list of eight fantastic shows for high school programs. I have selected these based of the following criteria:
Unique Option - Each of these shows is not done often, especially by high school programs, but could be a great option for a program that is looking to give their students a chance to do something different.
Number of Available Roles - These selections have a larger number of leads, featured roles, and/or several featured roles that are normally doubled by actors, but, in a high school setting, could be cast as individual roles. This gives a larger number of students the chance to stretch themselves and get moments to shine. While all of these shows have excellent roles for males, most of the options in this list lean a bit female heavy. This was a consideration as it is fairly common to have a larger female talent pool in high school programs. (Note: I think it is important to uphold responsible casting practices including considering each student's gender identity as well as being open to gender blind casting.)
Content - These shows contain content that is captivating, challenging, and generally considered to be rated PG13 or lower. Also, the show presents dynamic challenges for casts/crews to conquer and new topics of interest for audiences.
So, with no further adieu and in no particular order, we present Downstage Right's 8 Terrific and Unique Musicals for High School Drama Programs...
Sweet Charity
This hopeful romp through New York City in the swinging sixties is all about young woman's search for love. The original Charity was the incomparable Gwen Verdon who helped sculpt the show's identity and left her indelible mark on the show's title character. With a charming Neil Simon book, an exuberant Cy Coleman score, and the staging and choreographic footprint of the brilliant Bob Fosse, this show is sure to make for a gleeful experience for both cast and audience.
Strong female lead and great supporting female roles
Flexible cast size, but generally features a large group
Audience recognition of the film with Shirley MacClaine and popular songs such as "The Rhythm of Life"
Multiple moments to feature strong dancers
Joyful, sincere, and an overall positive message
Challenges to Consider:
Dance Requirements - This show is dance heavy. It is a chance for your students to focus on and improve their dancing, but, with the original production featuring the iconic and very specific style of Bob Fosse, it can be daunting. With the right choreographer you can easily incorporate many Fosse elements with the your leads or more skilled group of dancers and modify sections for the larger group. While I think it is important to aim to have the highest possible quality in the content of your production and keep the Fosse style in the show, I think there is a happy medium that makes this show achievable for students.
For more information visit: Concord Theatricals
Gigi
Based on the 1958 Vincent Minnelli film of the same name, Gigi is a delight. The show's title character is a bold and whip-smart young woman who is being raised to be a courtesan in 1890s Paris. As she grows, she finds a meaningful, unexpected romance with longtime friend and wealthy aristocrat, Gaston Lachailles. The original Broadway production was mounted in the 1970s. The show received a 2015 Broadway revival featuring an all-star cast including Vanessa Hudgens, Corey Cott, Dee Hoty, and Victoria Clark. The revival breathed fresh life into this piece. The show boasts a playful and sumptuous score by Lerner & Loewe, best known for the Broadway classic, My Fair Lady. The romance, magic, and color of Gigi will sweep you up and carry you away.
Strong female leading and supporting roles
Preferably done with a large cast, but can be done with a smaller group
Audience recognition of the film and songs such as "Thank Heaven for Little Girls"
Lots of scenes for ensemble members to participate
Endearing and light-hearted
Challenges to Consider:
Costumes - Since it is a period piece set in Paris, the show requires appropriate and specific costuming. However, high schools frequently do shows like Hello, Dolly! which is set in a similar time frame. If your program normally rents, the costumes of Hello, Dolly! would generally be applicable for this show and you may only need to build/purchase a few specialized items for leads.
For more information visit: Concord Theatricals
The Robber Bridegroom
One of the first of its kind, The Robber Bridegroom's musical roots are truly bluegrass - not Broadway. MTI describes this show as "a rousing, bawdy...fairytale" that features "wacky hijinx", mistaken identities, love, jealousy, dimwitted side kicks, and a hearty helping of the Southern comforts associated with by-gone Mississippi. The 1975 original cast featured actors who are now widely known and regarded such as Kevin Kline and Patti Lupone. The show was recently revived by Roundabout Theatre Company, enjoying a successful, limited run that received a cast recording. While this show isn't well known, it is truly a hidden gem worth unearthing.
Flexible cast size
Bluegrass/country style music uncommonly found in Broadway musicals potentially reaching a larger, atypical audience
No orchestra required, minimalistic set, and period-suggestive costuming (vs historically specific)
Challenges to Consider:
Limited Recognition - It is likely that your students and your audience haven't heard of this show. It may take a little convincing to get people on board, but I think the show's down home and accessible style make it a pretty easy sell.
For more information visit: Music Theatre International
Urinetown
I was lucky enough to perform in a community theater production of this show in 2005 and it is still one of my most cherished theatre memories. Urinetown is hilarious, thought provoking, and heartwarming. It's got romance, family dynamics, uprisings, very poorly executed kidnappings, and environmental cautioning. What more could you want? The plot centers around a water shortage that has led to private toilets being outlawed. Public toilets are being closely controlled by a monopolizing corporation and citizens are charged a premium to answer nature's call. As the powerful and powerless face off in a battle for control, the audience is taken on an irreverent and fall-out-of-your-seat funny ride that they will want to go on again and again.
Tony Winner for Best Book and Best Original Score
Lots of roles - leading and featured - to give many students a moment in the spotlight
A truly ensemble show that allows everyone to sink their teeth in and bond together
Great mix of songs for varied vocal ability levels
Perfect chance to help your students hone their comedic abilities
Hilarious for the audience, enriching for the cast
Challenges to Consider:
The Title/Basic Premise - I totally get that the name of the show and the story are a bit of an odd sell. It's not as easy to sell as some shows, but the show is satirical in nature. There is a way to communicate that fact to the audience and get them excited about it. Also, once the students start working on the show and fall in love with it (which they will) you will have no trouble filling seats off their enthusiasm alone.
For more information visit: Music Theatre International
Big Fish
How I love me some Andrew Lippa. His music for Big Fish is absolutely stunning and will soften even the hardest heart. The musical, based on Tim Burton's successful film of the same name, follows the outrageous life of Edward Bloom. Told within the context of Edward's endless imagination and very tall tales, you find a sweeping story about family, legacy, and identity that plays with the balance of love & loss and fact & fiction. Unfortunately, this show was a big old Broadway flop. Although it didn't set Broadway ablaze and is not a perfect show by any means, it is both ambitious and daring. This show is fuel for the imagination and balm for the soul. It is a great vehicle for students to tap into their creative expression and will call upon them to dig deep.
Large cast needed to handle the show's magnitude
Opportunities to have different students play older and younger versions of characters
Lots of room for creativity and use of different skills
Recognition of the movie which starred Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, and Jessica Lange
Challenges to Consider:
Costumes - This is a costume heavy show. It wanders through multiple time periods, circus/side show aspects, etc. Due to the imaginative nature of the show, there is a fair amount of wiggle room to be creative and not feel the need to be stuck to one prescribed approach.
For more information visit: Theatrical Rights Worldwide
Kiss Me, Kate (1999 Revival Version)
It is hard to pick just one, but, if my feet are to the fire, this show wins my vote for my favorite of all time. This farcical romp features a show-within-a-show, a Shakespearean play, mobsters, romance, jazzy dance numbers, some of Cole Porter's best songs, and hilarious moments that will keep you laughing all night long. Porter's other works include high school program favorite Anything Goes. Set during the out-of-town tryout for a new, musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, the two formerly espoused actors grit their teeth and try to bear each other in hopes of rejuvenating what's left of their careers. Past wounds, overblown egos, and ambitious up-and-comers all collide and make for situation comedy that can't be beat.
Winner of five Tony awards in 1949, including Best Musical, and the 1999 production took home Best Revival of a Musical
Great roles for males and females with lots of featured vocal and dance moments
Large cast needed to handle the show's magnitude
Offers a chance to familiarize students with Taming of the Shrew and other works of Shakespeare
A jazzy, toe-tapping, crowd-pleasing score and audience recognition of Cole Porter songs including "Too Darn Hot"
Challenges to Consider:
Production Value - This show needs a lot of everything - sets and costumes for two different time periods, props galore, and a high talent level from a cast. This show can be a beast - I won't deny it - but if you have the infrastructure to rent or create the costumes and build the sets, the rest is doable with a committed and capable cast.
For more information visit: Concord Theatricals
Paint Your Wagon
A delightful slice of Americana with book, music, and lyrics by renowned writing team, Lerner & Loewe! Paint Your Wagon tells the story of wayfaring miners seeking fast fortunes during California's Gold Rush. Filled to the brim with nostalgia of America's Old West, the show navigates the triumphs and struggles of Manifest Destiny including love, community, singularity, discovery, and the glories and whims of Mother Nature that dictate their way of life. The show also investigates racial, class, and gender biases of the era. The show was eventually adapted into a movie of the same name featuring Clint Eastwood.
Large cast needed
Great males roles, including true baritone roles
Opportunity to incorporate lessons on the history of the Old West within the context of the show
A time period that audiences love and a country-bending score
Challenges to Consider:
Male Roles - This show is very male heavy and they do have to dance. There is one female lead and few supporting female characters, but the show is predominantly carried by the male roles. One of the show's themes is how infrequently traveling pan handlers get to interact with women due to the nature of their lifestyle. However, you can certainly have females double into male ensemble roles. Also, if your program has thought about mounting a production of Oklahoma! or South Pacific this show is just as attainable for your students.
For more information visit: Music Theatre International
The Drowsy Chaperone
This show is full of fun, theatrical nostalgia, and Jazz Age glamour. A love letter to a bygone era of musical theatre, The Drowsy Chaperone begins with a man settling into his coziest armchair to listen to his favorite Broadway cast album from which the show derives its title. He serves as our guide through this colorful and zany comedy that ends with a wedding just as we all knew it would. The original cast boasted many Broadway heavy-hitters including Sutton Foster, Beth Leavel, and Danny Burstein. This show will have audiences rolling in the aisles and dancing all the way home.
Five-time Tony Winner including Best Book and Best Original Score
Medium size cast, but can be expanded to feature a larger group
Opportunity to celebrate 1920s fashion and culture that has reemerged in the 2020s
A very ensemble piece that will bring a cast together
Jazz Age music and a hilarious book
Challenges to Consider:
Costumes - The show does require period costuming, but with the resurgence of 1920s fashions decent quality items are much easier to come by and at lower costs. If you prefer to rent costumes, it is likely that you will have plenty of options from other popular 20s style shows that will be applicable.
For more information visit: Music Theatre International
Photos by Joan Marcus and Paul Kolnik
Written by Simmon Fecho
Published by Downstage Right Podcast
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