For theater kids, musicals are the best part of high school. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Not sure if I missed it, but how did you come up with the BAD and GOOD lists? Many groups also find themselves casting a girl to play the Mayor's son JOJO, due to the "voice change" of many high school boys. Hello, Dolly! Little Women the Musical (6 females and 4 males) The following list is broken down into a few categories - "Musicals With a Female Lead", "Musicals with Multiple Female Leads", and "All-Female Musicals". Its a racy take on relationships, which means that its a great musical for a college theater group or a community theater. Think back do you remember when you first felt your castmates turning into family? Of course, if youre a drama teacher or director, you know its never that simple! And once you do, youre likely to become a superfan! Ms. You have the ability to cast a female Cat in the Hat, and many of Jungle of Nool characters or non specific. Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, Carrie. The Spitfire Grill by James Valcq & Fred Alley (US/UK)(Drama / 4f, 3m)Based on the hit 1996 film, The Spitfire Grill is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. This is a great show to do while your students are in the Halloween spirit, but it works any time of year. If you're looking for a show fit for a small cast, this collection has it all from classic dramas to family-friendly comedies. What Actors, Producers and Audiences are Looking For in New Musicals Craig Lucas sophisticated book and Adam Guettels ravishing score provide rich performance opportunities for both actresses. Scripts for all-female theatre. And as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. (The fun costumes dont hurt, either. Broadway's Longest-Running Musical Turns Out the Lights But a secret about Clara threatens to destroy her chance at happiness, and Margaret must make a life-changing decision. 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. 75+ Musicals for Small Casts - A Full List of Shows Stacy K July 14, 2018 April 19, 2023 musical types Putting on a musical requires many resources - money, space, time, and of course available actors. The new wife, Ruth, cant see the ghost wife, and chaos ensues. Shrek the Musical JR. Best for strong male and female leads. Drama Desk award-winner The Last Five Years is Jason Robert Browns intimate window into a couples Divorced. See more ideas about musicals, it cast, musical theatre. But the good news is that you can still put on an amazing musical, regardless of your cast size. Cast size: 1 man, 1 woman. This jukebox musical is fun and unexpected, featuring music from Katy Perry, The Supremes, and more. (Our favorite line: StandardsI used to have some standards.) Watch I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change on YouTube. With a plethora of meaty female roles, 42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Sweet Charity by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman & Dorothy Fields (US/UK)(Comedy / 4f, 4m +Ensemble)The men may come and go, but Charity and her friends Helene and Nikki are the backbone of this classic musical set in the 1960s. Four companies handle the majority of musical theater licensing: Another licensing company, Tams-Witmark, was acquired by Concord Theatricals in 2018. Died. Margaret and Clara are touring the Tuscan countryside when Clara meets the handsome Fabrizio. Carrie: The Musical by Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, Lawrence D. Cohen and Stephen King (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Drama / 5f, 2m)Carrie White is a misfit. 35. She has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. My heart skipped a little when I read your shout out! Book, music, and lyrics: Jason Robert Brown. Read More. You can also license the clean version of the musical to create a family-friendly production. This is an exciting musical if you have fearless actors or ingenue/leading man types who want to push their boundaries with something more comedic and physical. 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. If your drama department is packed with stars, Mamma Mia! Cast each one separately to include more performers, or use the same cast to stretch your actors abilities. Cast: 10 femaleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. (see video above). Its a problem shared by high school theater programs everywhere lots of actors to play the female roles, but not enough to fill the male roles. Each of these shows is virtually guaranteed to draw a huge audience, so you can pack the house with excited friends, family members, and people from the community. 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. I believe it calls for a 9 person cast. The story follows five friends who are writing a musical. (Its hardly shocking, though, and audiences in more progressive areas wont bat an eye.) Next to Normal is the story of Diana Goodman and her family. Theatre Trip participates in affiliate programs. Next to Normal. The tale of Danny, Sandy, and friends is fun and frothy, with a surprisingly deep undercurrent. The 1970s are alive and well in this comedy jukebox musical, which pokes fun at classic disaster movies. Audition Songs Scaled-down musicals have big benefits. You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! If you have a few star performers and a large collection of beginners, look for ensemble heavy high school shows. Feel free to share in the comments! 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 . Survived.. Musical Database Bernarda Alba by Michael John LaChiusa (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Drama / 10f)Bernarda Albatells the tales of a powerful matriarch, who imposes a strict rule on her household following her second husband's funeral: 'Not a breath of outside air is going to enter this house. In this wartime musical revue, MGM star Marian Ames and her all-girl band from the Hollywood Canteen entertain the troops in 1944 London. The Spanish origins of the playwright come through in Michael John LaChiusas music, which is at times haunting, lively, and soaring. Dreamgirls by Tom Eyen & Henry Krieger (US/UK)(Drama / 4f, 4m +Ensemble)Effie, Deena and Lorrell take the stage by storm in this sweeping and inspirational journey through 20th century American pop music. Authors: Book by Joe Tracz.Music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki. 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. Jerrys Girls by Jerry Herman (US/UK)(Revue / 3f, Expandable)This Broadway hit features three women sharing the stage as they sing all the best songs from immortal musicals like Mame, Hello Dolly!, Milk and Honey, Mack and Mabel, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine and La Cage Aux Folles. You havent heard of the musical Working? Watch the entire show on YouTube. political all-female cast play. It takes place in the south in 1795, but theres nothing overly historical about it the fun lies in mistaken identities, bumbling criminals, and even a wicked stepmother. I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change is a GREAT small cast show, featuring 4 performers ( 2 M, 2 W). This is a musical everyone can get behind students will love the chance to bring the iconic literary characters to life, and parents will happily buy tickets for the whole family. Divorced. Watch videos and learn about plot, characters, context, songs. To streamline the process, look for easy shows. If youve ever directed a musical, you know how much work goes into it. I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change was actually one of the first cast recordings that I bought a physical CD for, and I can still remember singing along to it in my car so many years ago. Just as Anna Antonelli's roller rink is about to be demolished, her estranged daughter returns, sparking painful memories and reawakening unresolved conflict. 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. Nick Hern Books. Nunsense by Dan Goggin (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f)This zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue features five great roles for women. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 3. But as the girls' dreams and desires challenge their mother's harsh rules, the outside world begins to permeate their isolated existence. small cast musicals (Message Board) - BroadwayWorld Cast of Five or Fewer See All. This jewel of Broadway's Golden Age features two of the greatest roles in musical theatre: the title character and her mother. Listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube. There are many different stakeholders at play parents, teachers, kids, principals, and school-board officials, to name a few. Since it debuted in 2010, the Addams Family has been rising up the charts of the top high school musicals. Traumatized by the death of her infant son from an undiagnosed intestinal obstruction, Diana has . New to musical theater licensing? I agree with TRIUMPH OF LOVE. This is typical Dear Evan Hansen is running on Broadway and in a national tour; it was also made into a movie in September of 2021. Song Database A fairy godmother soon appears, bestowing her with a gown, footmen and a pumpkin carriage, but the magic disappears at midnight! She could not have predicted how they would resonate with the women of England, nor could she have imagined how her name would become synonymous with culinary expertise and domestic bliss for generations to come. The story culminates with the victory of the Suffragettes and the disintegration of the Pankhurst family. Double Trouble (A Musical Tour de Farce) Mame by Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee, Jerry Herman and Patrick Dennis (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 6f, 6m)When the ebullient and convivial socialite Mame Dennis suddenly becomes responsible for the upbringing of her nephew Patrick, the wealthy sophisticate embraces the challenge, introducing the boy to all of life's wonders. Cast: 12 roles, flexible ensembleLicensing: Music Theater International. Musicals for Small Casts | Rantin' from Anton This means that when you order something through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Miss Littlewood by Sam Kenyon (UK)(Full Length Musical / 9f, 3m)Joan Littlewood was the anarchic revolutionary of 20th century theatre. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. Its Possible! This Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. There are six starring female roles and three leading men, plus a variety of smaller parts. 51+ Sung-Through Musicals The Full List of Shows. With emotionally revealing songs and realistically conflicted characters, The Life features a host of great female characters. [title of show] on Broadway. Cinderella is an easy musical to do with your high school students for one reason: the music is extremely singable. See ourdisclosure for more info. With a tunefully evocative score by David Kirshenbaum (Summer of 42), the show captures a snapshot-sharp portrait of the lives, loves, disappointments and dreams of these young women growing up during the turbulent sixties and reconnecting in the late eighties. Block is available to watch at DailyMotion. Woman of the Year by Peter Stone, Fred Ebb & John Kander (US)(Comedy / 6f, 11m +Ensemble)Though most of the musical is carried by a strong female lead, Woman of the Year features one of the all-time great female duets: The Grass Is Always Greener, a hilarious competition song between high-powered newswoman Tess Harding and her earthy homemaker friend, Jan. Multiverse: 25th Anniversary Performance, Third Film, New Tour, Limited Bway Run in 2025(? . Died. It has everything: a big cast, cute kids, beloved music, and just enough darkness to keep things interesting. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and "woman who arranges things," are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again. 250 W. 57th Street The Little Sisters of Hoboken include: the feisty and stagestruck Mother Superior, competitive and highly competent Mary Hubert, streetwise Brooklynite Robert Anne, ditzy and sweet Mary Amnesia, and aspiring ballerina Mary Leo. Due to their limited budget, the sisters wind up sharing a less-than ideal basement apartment in Greenwich Village. The trouble is, many musicals (especially from the Golden Age) have multiple male leads and one lone female principal role. 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. Based on the TV show SpongeBob SquarePants, The SpongeBob Musical is a fun, optimistic show for high school students. The shows strongest numbers, including Big Spender, Theres Gotta Be Something Better Than This and If They Could See Me Now, all feature women in the spotlight. Jason Robert Browns legendary music shines in this emotional show, which follows a couple through a relationship. Sue Parrish - Editor. Urinetown. Beheaded. Photos: Frankie Valli & Rosie O'Donnell Visit A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, Photos: Winokur, Edelman & Schafer Visit LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MJ to Hold Open Call Auditions in Chicago and Detroit, Photos: Glenn Close visits SHUCKED on Broadway, Phillips, Scarpaci & Fouch to Lead BORN COUNTRY Industry Reading, http://rnh.com/theatricals/show.php?show_id=107#, http://rnh.com/theatricals/show.php?show_id=86, http://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=1880, PARADE On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread. One good thing about revisiting "Pretty Woman": You can't deny that society has made some real progress since 1990. Its actually a set of three short musical tales with music written by the legendary Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. 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. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.". Check out the handy explanation at MTI. You can perform it in a theater of any size, but it works particularly well in an intimate black-box setting. Cast: 0-4M, 7-8 F (minimum 7F) Set/Time: Simple interior and exterior sets / About 90 minutes. The first time you stepped on stage and found your voice? Its a spectacular opportunity to show off your best singers and actors each daughter gets her own song. Theres an option to add an all-genders ensemble. . Divorced. Or have you ever been a part of one of the above musicals for small casts? Based on the beloved novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery, the story follows the young orphan, Anne Shirley, as she navigates her new life with her adoptive family and friends. 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. Dancing, singing, and ABBA whats not to love? Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists. Christabel dedicated her life to the cause and let nothing, not even the pursuit of love and happiness, stand in the way of womens emancipation. This ridiculous, laugh-out-loud funny farce deals with dark themes in a lighthearted way, always with great self-awareness. With its small cast and comical script, this is a great musical for a smaller high school theater departmentand you only need one male actor! Cast: 14 roles, flexible ensemble; Licensing: Music Theater International; . Musicals for Small Casts. Small Cast Collection | Music Theatre International If you want to do a Broadway musical in your high school, youll need to get a license. The only connection between a man on a peacekeeping mission and the women he loves is via letters. Oliver! Luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful musicals that involve smaller casts and are even particularly effective in smaller venues. The girls' dreams and desires challenge their mother's harsh rules and the outside world begins to slowly permeate their isolated existence. Falsettos: Following its 2016 revival, which was filmed for broadcast in cinemas and on public television, this 1992 musical returned to public notice. As you might guess, this is a musical that may not be well-received in more conservative areas. Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, about one moment. In this Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of the famous Tracy/Hepburn battle-of-the-sexes film, its the scene between two women that truly stops the show. Her unique Theatre Workshop was responsible for a raft of successes including Oh, What A Lovely War!, and breathed new life into the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Interestingly, the music was written by Mary Rodgers, the daughter of the famous Richard Rodgers. ), Cher Biopic and more. Can be expanded, but 4 works great. Resources Nine: Although the 2009 movie version was a bit of a flop, the original stage musical about a legendary director and the women who come in and out of his life remains a classic. Evita is based on the historical story of Mara Eva Duarte de Pern, a poor Argentinian girl who. After the movie craze swept TikTok, were willing to bet that most of your high school actors are familiar with Matilda the musical. We've created a list of 10 musicals featuring smaller casts that fit perfectly on small stages or more intimate venues. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This show is set in a middle school, but we hope youll forgive us its a downright fantastic musical for high schoolers. Are you looking for an easy musical that doesnt look easy? Annie is one of those musicals that everyone knows its a family friendly show, which is handy if you live in a conservative area. Musical Database New Broadway musicals usually arent available for licensing while the show is running on Broadway or touring the country. If you need a show that will sail through the approval process even in the most conservative of communities this is it. Plays and Musicals with All-Female Casts from Pioneer Drama Service You probably already know the story of Beauty and the Beast and thats exactly why its one of the most popular musicals for high school. And this also happens to be the perfect year to try out a small-cast musical in the digital space! 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 . Dani Girl. 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.. 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 true spectacle: big ensemble numbers, a soaring score, and even a little bit of dap dancing. Some, such as Cinderella, are easy for students to learn (thank you for the catchy melodies, Rodgers and Hammerstein!). Beheaded. With its modern take on the Aristophanes classic,Lysistrata Jonesbrings a contemporary pop/rock energy to Douglas Carter Beane's hilarious script. Cast: 6 female, 3-4 maleLicensing: Music Theater International, Do you have a huge high school drama club thats mostly populated by women? Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Divorced. Musicals with a majority of roles for women - Pinterest Cast: 7 female, 3 maleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. You can do it with a piano and a few chairs, if youre on a budget. Music:Andrew Lloyd WebberLyrics:Don Black, Richard Maltby Jr. Music:Andrew Lloyd WebberLyrics:Don Black, The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns, Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2016), Music/Lyrics:David Kirshenbaum Book:Jack Heifner. If youve ever read Nol Cowards play Blithe Spirit, you already know the plot of High Spirits its the musical version of the play. The script is fun and adult, and the music is sure to get plenty of laughs (especially if your audience has had a cocktail or two before the show). Theatre Degree Programs. These five archetypal film characters prove their mettle while singing over 30 vintage wartime classics. I love how the Leonide is constantly making things up, which I think is always fun for an audience (like NOISES OFF). Songs for a New World, which was done with four people. Small Cast Musicals | StageAgent But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place six feet under. The rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. Its easy to see why the characters are quirky, the music is fun, and the sets are delightfully dark. All Shows; Popular: Popular Types: Popular; Good for Kids; Small Cast; Large Cast; Comedic; Romantic; . The exuberant score and the light-hearted plot will leave your audiences (and your actors) smiling from ear to ear. With powerhouse performers like Chita and Liza leading the bill, you know this show features two roles actresses would love to sink their teeth into! Research Playwrights, Librettists, Composers and Lyricists. Classic MusicalsMoneymakersShowcase Your Finest PerformerGreat Vocal DemandsFeature ChoreographyLittle ChoreographyPredominantly Female CastsPredominantly Male CastsFor Schools and Youth GroupsFor Advanced Youth Groups and Senior SchoolsMusicals with Parts for Middle-Aged PerformersShows That Don't Depend on Young CastsMusicals That Rely . The musical tells the stories of these three remarkable sisters set against the First World War and other great events of the time. And lets not forget nuns! That depends on your high school, of course; the original version is definitely going to cause a fuss. Also available in a Large Cast Edition (US/UK). When youre looking for obscure or lesser-known musicals for your high school drama program, these shows are a good place to start. 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. An eclectic collection of characters board a floating casino for an evening of entertainment, only to be faced with a series of increasingly wild natural disasters. Here are five of our favorites: 1. Bernarda's five daughters, however, struggle with her cold wishes. Beheaded. Weve already mentioned two of the classics, Grease and High School Musical, but there are so many more! This gripping tale of one headstrong and passionate young woman's all-consuming love for an ambitious sea captain provides a tour-de-force for its leading lady. Based on Charles Dickens Oliver Twist, it tells the story of an orphan boy and his band of buddies. Feel free to share in the comments below! Should You Put Music on an iPad for a Musical Theater Audition? Others, like Working, are easy to direct. This musical hits all of the bases for high school: its easy to produce, and you can do it on an exceptionally small budget. Top image courtesy of Otterbein University Theatre & Dance under CC BY-SA 2.0.