Or have you ever been a part of one of the above musicals for small casts? Legally, high schools can perform any musical thats available for licensing. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images. Beheaded. If so, its hard to do better than The Last Five Years. Cast each one separately to include more performers, or use the same cast to stretch your actors abilities. At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. After the movie craze swept TikTok, were willing to bet that most of your high school actors are familiar with Matilda the musical. April 14, 2023. Smile by Howard Ashman & Marvin Hamlisch (US/UK)(Comedy / 10f, 6m, 2 boys)This touching and satirical musical about a teen beauty pageant features a host of great roles for young women. You can do the show with as few as six performers or expand the cast to accommodate the number of kids who come out for auditions. The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas & Adam Guettel (US/UK)(Drama / 4f, 4m +Ensemble)Victoria Clark and Kelli OHara originated the leading roles in this tender yet powerful portrait of a mother and daughter vacationing in Italy. Side Show by Bill Russell & Henry Krieger (US/UK)(Drama / 7f, 14m)Based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became stars during the Depression, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women whose extraordinary connection brought them fame but denied them love. Vanities: The Musical by Jack Heifner and David Kirshenbaum (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 3f)Vanities: The Musicalchronicles the life-affirming journey of three vivacious Texas teens from cheerleaders to sorority sisters to housewives to liberated women and beyond. Traumatized by the death of her infant son from an undiagnosed intestinal obstruction, Diana has . To learn more about these and other great shows for women, visit Concord Theatricals in the US or UK. Divorced. Featuring a thrilling score by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Comden & Green, the musical provides two actresses with a host of rich material, including their wistful duet, Ohio.. Please check it out, its neat! by Michael Stewart, Jerry Herman and Thornton Wilder (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 5f, 4m)This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder's hit playThe Matchmakerbursts with humour, romance, energetic dance, and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. Please note:This post contains affiliate links. Licensing, publishing, recording & producing company comprising R&H Theatricals, Samuel French, Tams-Witmark & The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. political all-female cast play. Based on the novel of the same name by Rick Riordan. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. Can be expanded, but 4 works great. Rodgers & Hammersteins Cinderella by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 6f, 5m)The timeless enchantment of this magical fairy tale that's been at the heart of many children's storybooks is reborn in this musical. Jason Robert Browns legendary music shines in this emotional show, which follows a couple through a relationship. We recommend that you watch high school drama teachers Marji Eldreths series on TikTok; she gives a little summary of each show, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Cy Coleman's celebrated jazz and pop-inflected score concludes with Sonja and Queen singing a powerful two-woman duet called My Friend.. Set in a small Wisconsin town, the show features a gorgeous, soulful score and several strong roles for women, including an emotionally contained parolee and her flinty boss. The Pirates of Penzance is one of the best low-budget musicals you can do with a high school group for one big reason: its in the public domain, so you dont need to pay licensing fees! For theater kids, musicals are the best part of high school. The exuberant score and the light-hearted plot will leave your audiences (and your actors) smiling from ear to ear. Send us a message, and well add it to the list! . Large musicals for high schools are a great way to ensure that everyone who wants to participate, gets to participate. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. Not sure? Its a true spectacle: big ensemble numbers, a soaring score, and even a little bit of dap dancing. Music:Michael RupertLyrics/Book:Jerry Colker. Theres a reason [title of show] is a popular college musical its funny, unpolished, and super affordable to produce. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents' landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humour, heart, and sophistication. Its a tale as old as time: a widower marries again, only to be tormented by the ghost of his first wife. I love small, intimate shows. We also have had many producers, directors, and educators who said they'd love to see showsbig, medium, smallfor mostly female casts. With this combustible combination, Nunsense cant help but rise to the heavens! "Drag is a different art form. Home Theater 5 Best Small Cast Musicals. You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! Cast: 0-4M, 7-8 F (minimum 7F) Set/Time: Simple interior and exterior sets / About 90 minutes. The musical tells the stories of these three remarkable sisters set against the First World War and other great events of the time. Displaying guides for 2,350 theatre shows including musicals, plays, operettas and operas. Well always be bosom buddies, they sing in one of the greatest duets ever written for two women. Its exactly the kind of absurdist humor that high school students love and their parents and grandparents will love how Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick have cleverly woven in hits like When Will I Be Loved, Dont Cry Out Loud, and the Hawaii Five-O Theme.. Wonderful Town by Joseph Fields, Jerome Chodorov, Ruth McKenney, Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green (US)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 2f, 4m)In the summer of 1935, Ruth, an aspiring writer, and Eileen, an actress and dancer, leave rural Ohio to seek success in the big city. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Feel free to share in the comments below! BY JEEVES (cast of 10) A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (5) A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD, A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE (cast of 8 ) THE RINK (9) FALSETTOS (7) ROMANCE ROMANCE (4) OLYMPUS ON MY MIND (9) 70 GIRLS 70 . The new wife, Ruth, cant see the ghost wife, and chaos ensues. With its period costumes and modern music (the orchestration will be a fun challenge for your high school pit ensemble), Little Women is a great opportunity for everyone involved. Swingtime Canteen by Linda Thorsen Bond, William Repicci, Charles Busch & Various Artists (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f)What better way to feature women than with an all-female band? This musical hits all of the bases for high school: its easy to produce, and you can do it on an exceptionally small budget. Here are some showstopping musicals for small groups to perform. Wonderful Town by Joseph Fields, Jerome Chodorov, Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden & Adolph Green (US)(Comedy / 3f, 4m +Ensemble)Based on the hit play and film My Sister Eileen, Wonderful Town tells the comical and heartwarming story of two Midwestern sisters, newly arrived in New York. This drama powerfully depicts not only the sacrifices made by soldiers but also by their families. The principal roles are almost all female, but youll need a few actors to play the male love interests. Is. Dramatists Play Service; Broadway Licensing; Stage Rights; . Theres nothing quite like musical theater to bring joy into the world but when you only have a few actors and singers, giant shows like Les Misrables or West Side Story are out of the question. More. Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne & Stephen Sondheim (US/UK)(Dramatic Comedy / 6f, 2m +Ensemble)The Mother of All Musicals! It can be challenging, but its worth it to see shy kids transform into confident, capable actors and singers. You havent heard of the musical Working? The Life by Cy Coleman, Ira Gasman & David Newman (US/UK)(Drama / 5f, 5m +Ensemble)Jojo, Sonja, Queen, Mary, and Lou lead the way in this gritty, powerful, funny and frank look at street workers plying "The Oldest Profession" in 1980s Times Square. Have you done a small cast musical that went over well with your actors and audiences? Bernarda Albas husband has just died, and she announces that the entire household (including her mother and five daughters) will be locked in the house in mourning. If you have a bunch of theater kids who keep up with the latest Broadway shows, the Golden Age classics will only get you so far. Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent 2020. Music:David ShireLyrics:Richard Maltby, Jr. Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1976), Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Contemporary (1990/2001), Music/Lyrics:David Kirshenbaum Book:Jack Heifner, Music:Howard MarrenLyrics:Susan BirkenheadBook:Jeffrey Sweet, Music/Lyrics:VariousConcept:Sheldon Epps, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1980), Music/Lyrics/Book:Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Musical Type:Contemporary/Song Cycle (2005), Music/Lyrics:VariousBook:Dick Scanlan, Sherie Rene Scott, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1989), Music/Lyrics:Nick BlaemireBook:James Gardiner, Music/Lyrics/Book:Michael RobertsConcept:Eric Krebs, Music:Jimmy RobertsLyrics/Book:Joe DiPietro, Music:Jerome KernLyrics:VariousBook:Dick Vosburgh, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1986), Music/Lyrics:Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Alan Stevens HewittMusic/Lyrics/Book:Tim Maner, Music/Lyrics:Juliana NashLyrics/Book:Julia Jordan, Music:Joshua Salzman Lyrics/Book: Ryan Cunningham, Music/Lyrics:Jeff BowenBook:Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell, Music/Lyrics: Douglas Lyons Music: Greg BorowskyBook: Melvin Tunstall III, Music:Keith HerrmannLyrics/Book:Barry Harman, Music/Lyrics:Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Song Cycle (1995), Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1987), Music:Steven M. AlperLyrics:Sarah KnappBook:Mark Harelik, Music:John KanderLyrics/Book:Greg Pierce, Music/Lyrics/Book:Kait Kerrigan, Bree Lowdermilk, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Jukebox (1999), The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns, Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2013), Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2016), Music/Book:Eric RockwellLyrics/Book:Joanne Bogart, Music/Lyrics:Tom LehrerAdaptation:Cameron Mackintosh, Robin Ray, Music:Richard RodgersLyrics:Oscar Hammerstein IIConcept:Walter Bobbie, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1993), Music:Joshua SchmidtLyrics:Jan Levy TranenBook:Austin Pendleton, Music/Lyrics/Book:Robert J. Sherman Music/Lyrics: Al Sherman, Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, Music:Robert RealeLyrics/Book:Willie Reale. Gift Guides Next to Normal is the story of Diana Goodman and her family. If your theater program needs to make money for future shows, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is sure to spike ticket sales. Order a preview copy first, and let us know what you think; we couldnt find a record of a single recent production.Cast: 18 female, 4 maleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. Featuring an original folk-pop score by Shaina Taub, this 90-minute musical features a dynamic female lead in Rosalind, guided by a female narrator, Jaques, who takes a compelling journey of her own. Stagingis simple, and you dont need much in the way of a set, making this a great show for a black-box theater or another intimate setting. Thats where youll find musicals sorted by composer, theme, setting, and more! makes it easy to feature them. All the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and four students, take the stage to celebrate the season with warmth and hilarity. Survived.. Its a place where everyone belongs a lifesaver for kids who feel like they dont fit in anywhere else in high school. This is a great show to do while your students are in the Halloween spirit, but it works any time of year. Youre not alone this small show is rarely produced. Manage Settings Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Divorced. See our disclosurefor more info. We know what youre thinking is Heathers the Musical appropriate for high school? The following list is broken down into a few categories - "Musicals With a Female Lead", "Musicals with Multiple Female Leads", and "All-Female Musicals". Get ready youre about to hear theres no place like home on repeat. With a ravishing score and a touching book,The Grass Harp is a Broadway cult favorite featuring great roles for older actresses. Many offer streaming or piano-only accompaniment. Next to Normal. We've created a list of 10 musicals featuring smaller casts that fit perfectly on small stages or more intimate venues. Dani Girl. In this wartime musical revue, MGM star Marian Ames and her all-girl band from the Hollywood Canteen entertain the troops in 1944 London. Licensing, publishing, recording & producing company comprising R&H Theatricals, Samuel French, Tams-Witmark & The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection. The following list is broken down into a few categories Musicals With a Female Lead, Musicals with Multiple Female Leads, and All-Female Musicals. Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists. Song Database The story follows five friends who are writing a musical. Beheaded. With its gorgeous (but not overly complicated) music, small orchestra, and flexible set requirements, The Fantasticks is the perfect budget musical for a small high school theater program. Little Shop of Horrors delivers, big time. believe. (The female performer should be prepared to sing!) Fun Home by Jeanine Tesori & Lisa Kron (US/UK)(Drama / 4f, 2m, 1 girl, 2 boys)Not two, but three actresses share center stage in this honest and heartbreaking portrait of a lesbian graphic novelist and her complicated relationship with her father. To help with this weve compiled a list of musicals that give you the flexibility to explore all aspects of female power, unity and musical prowess! Cast size, 8. Cinderella is an easy musical to do with your high school students for one reason: the music is extremely singable. Songs for a New World, which was done with four people. Beheaded. MAMMA MIA! To find more musicals with strong female voices visit our website. This musical is particularly well-suited to a school theater program with a wide range of ages; there are roles for younger and older kids. Oliver! Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals (and the Stories Behind Them), How to Build an Actor Website: A Complete Guide. Has there ever been a better pairing of two triple-threat performers? I love how the Leonide is constantly making things up, which I think is always fun for an audience (like NOISES OFF). Mrs Beeton Says by Eamonn O'Dwyer and Helen Watts (UK)(Full Length Musical / 5f, 3m)Isabella Beeton was only 23 years old when she penned these words in "Mrs Beetons Book of Household Management", first published in 1861. (The fun costumes dont hurt, either. Moving between past and present, Fun Home follows Alison Bechdels uniquechildhood at the familys funeral home, her growing understanding ofher own sexuality, and her ultimate reckoning with her fathers self-destruction. Its also one of the best small cast musicals for high school and since everyone recognizes the name, selling tickets is a breeze! Beheaded. The 1970s are alive and well in this comedy jukebox musical, which pokes fun at classic disaster movies. Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Charles Schulzs beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesners classic musical, Youre a Good Man, Anas Mitchell breathes fresh, new life into classic mythology with her folk musical Hadestown. Evita is based on the historical story of Mara Eva Duarte de Pern, a poor Argentinian girl who Falsettos is the story of a large, eccentric, and dysfunctional -- but loving -- Jewish family in Hedwig and the Angry Inch tells the tale of how a slip of a girlyboy from communist East Berlin, An American in Paris is a story of finding love, happiness, and a new lease on life.
musicals with small female casts