But the good news is that you can still put on an amazing musical, regardless of your cast size. Assassins can be done with 11, which is one over what you wanted, but maybe you can swing it. Obviously, it's challenging for the actor. Heres another all-female musical thats fun for high school. Still others are small cast high school musicals, so you dont need to worry about staging and directing an enormous, wayward ensemble. We love that the casting is completely gender flexible; it makes life so much easier for high school drama departments. and outrageous characters. Died. Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, Carrie. I love small, intimate shows. 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. Song Database This musical hits all of the bases for high school: its easy to produce, and you can do it on an exceptionally small budget. Vanities: The Musical by Jack Heifner & David Kirshenbaum (US/UK)(Dramatic Comedy / 3f)Vanities: The Musical chronicles the life-affirming journey of three vivacious Texas women as they grow from teen cheerleaders to sorority sisters to liberated women and beyond. Make sure to request a perusal script before you choose; shows like Spring Awakening, Bare, and Dear Evan Hansen tackle some pretty serious subjects. (The fun costumes dont hurt, either. We've created a list of 10 musicals featuring smaller casts that fit perfectly on small stages or more intimate venues. Multiverse: 25th Anniversary Performance, Third Film, New Tour, Limited Bway Run in 2025(? 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. From Fifth Avenue society to the halls of Congress, their rivalry was relentless and legendary pushing both women to build international empires in a world dominated by men. 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. * Heres where you can find a full list of musicals with an all-female writing team! (Were hoping more musicals follow suit!). 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. Next to Normal. 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. 4 women, 3 men . Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamouring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralising family, anarchists and activists. Some, such as Cinderella, are easy for students to learn (thank you for the catchy melodies, Rodgers and Hammerstein!). Here are some showstopping musicals for small groups to perform. Urinetown. Its Possible! This Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Its a racy take on relationships, which means that its a great musical for a college theater group or a community theater. Here are five of our favorites: 1. (We loved watching in real time, but its also fun as a replay.) 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. De Sylva, P.G. Cast size, 8. This ridiculous, laugh-out-loud funny farce deals with dark themes in a lighthearted way, always with great self-awareness. The following shows have all been on Broadway or the West End in recent years which means that theyre some of the coolest high school musicals you can find and theyre all available for licensing. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. I'm going to the licensing companies' websites but am still going to post a request for suggestions here on BWW, of course. The best part? Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Divorced. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Once Upon a Mattress offers a comical, quirky take on the fairy tale musical. 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. 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. "London Road" follows the real-life tragedy of the murder of five sex workers in a small U.K. town with the music based on actual voice recordings of residents who lived through the experience. 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. The familiar characters are just the right amount of outrageous and the costuming requirements are surprisingly flexible. When you want to build interest in your schools drama club, start here! This means that when you order something through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cast: 10 femaleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. Here are some showstopping musicals for small groups to perform. Next to Normal is the story of Diana Goodman and her family. Women Centre Stage - Eight Short Plays by and about Women. With Nina Feldman and . Theres a reason [title of show] is a popular college musical its funny, unpolished, and super affordable to produce. Falsettos can be summed up in a line thats sung by the lone child in the cast: My fathers a homo; my mothers not thrilled at all. In this case you have, Gertrude, Mayzie, Sour Kanagaroo, Mayor's Wife, Bird Girls, and the Marshall. There are six starring female roles and three leading men, plus a variety of smaller parts. Since theres minimal interaction between characters, rehearsals are a breeze! 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. As youre choosing a high school musical, some factors to consider include: High schools can do any Broadway musicals that offer licensing rights. Musical Database By saving money on licensing, costumes, and/or sets, you can give your kids a memorable musical theater experience without dealing with endless fundraisers! Its a place where everyone belongs a lifesaver for kids who feel like they dont fit in anywhere else in high school. Double Trouble (A Musical Tour de Farce) Whether you work at a school with a big arts budget or youre building a high-school drama program from the ground up, these musicals are a great place to start planning your next theater season. Whether or not you want to cause a stir, you can judge the musical for yourself; the full Lincoln Center version with Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, and Stephanie J. Jason Robert Browns legendary music shines in this emotional show, which follows a couple through a relationship. Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more, Dreamgirls explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all with strong, talented women front and center. 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? Thanks for the suggestion! And lets not forget nuns! The story of "Phantom of the Opera's" meteoric rise and bittersweet closing. Read More. 60-minute play scripts with all females about survivors of sexual abuse. SHOW Falsettos. High schools cant do Dear Evan Hansen because the musical is not yet available for licensing. For the director, the plot presents a teaching moment: is it ever wise to change yourself for a romantic partner? Neilson Barnard/Getty Images. Musicals for Small Casts. Displaying guides for 2,350 theatre shows including musicals, plays, operettas and operas. 250 W. 57th Street The script is based on Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice. The principal roles are almost all female, but youll need a few actors to play the male love interests. The following list is broken down into a few categories - "Musicals With a Female Lead", "Musicals with Multiple Female Leads", and "All-Female Musicals". This drama powerfully depicts not only the sacrifices made by soldiers but also by their families. 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. For the purposes of this list, Im selecting musicals that have very prominent female leads. See our disclosurefor more info. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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! | Image: First Date (Joan Marcus), Concord Theatricals 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. (Our favorite line: StandardsI used to have some standards.) Watch I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change on YouTube. If your drama department is packed with stars, Mamma Mia! * Heres where you can find a list of 2-Person Musicals! Based on the novel of the same name by Rick Riordan. Cast: 8 female, 6 male; Licensing: Concord Theatricals; . Dancing, singing, and ABBA whats not to love? They were also fierce competitors whose 50-year tug-of-war would give birth to an industry. 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. To find more musicals with strong female voices visit our website. Divorced. Wodehouse, Anne CaldwellBook:Guy Bolton, Music:John KanderLyrics:Fred EbbBook:George Furth, Music/Lyrics:Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, Stephen BrayBook:Marsha Norman, Music/Lyrics:Tori AmosLyrics/Book:Samuel Adamson, Music:Alan MenkenLyrics:Howard Ashman, Glenn SlaterBook:Doug Wright, Musical Type:1989 Film/Contemporary Musical (2007), Music:Jeanine TesoriLyrics/Book:Dick ScanlanBook:Richard Morris, Music:Chris MillerLyrics:Nathan TysenBook:Claudia Shear, Tim Federle, Music:Jeanine TesoriLyrics/Book:Brian Crawley, Music/Lyrics:Sara BareillesBook:Jessie Nelson, Music:Cy ColemanLyrics:Carolyn LeighBook:N. Richard Nash, Music:John KanderLyrics:Fred EbbBook:Peter Stone, Music:Harry WarrenLyrics:Al Dubin, Johnny MercerBook:Michael Stewart, Mark Bramble, Musical Type:1933 Film/Pre-Contemporary Musical (1980), Music/Lyrics:Dolly PartonBook:Patricia Resnick, Music:John KanderLyrics/Book:Fred EbbBook:Bob Fosse, Music:Henry KriegerLyrics/Book:Tom Eyen, Music:Tom KittLyrics:Brian YorkeyBook:Bridget Carpenter, Music/Lyrics:Robert Lopez, Kristen Anderson-LopezBook:Jennifer Lee, Music:Jule StyneLyrics:Stephen SondheimBook:Arthur Laurents, Music/Lyrics:Benny Andersson, Bjrn Ulvaeus Book:Catherine Johnson, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Jukebox (1999), Music:Jeff RichmondLyrics:Nell BenjaminBook:Tina Fey, Music:Henry KriegerLyrics/Book:Bill Russell, Music:Alan MenkenLyrics:Glenn SlaterBook:Cheri Steinkellner, Bill Steinkellner, Female Leads:Deloris and Mother Superior, Music:Marvin HamlischLyrics/Book:Howard Ashman, Music:Cy ColemanLyrics:Dorothy FieldsBook:Neil Simon, Female Leads:Charity, Helene, and Nickie, Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2018), Music/Book:Cy ColemanLyrics/Book:Ira GasmanBook:David Newman, Music:John Kander Lyrics:Fred EbbBook:Terrence McNally, Music:Scott FrankelLyrics:Michael KorieBook:Doug Wright, Music/Lyrics:Stephen SchwartzBook:Winnie Holzman, Music:Leonard BernsteinLyrics:Betty Comden, Adolph GreenBook:Joseph Fields, Jerome Chodorov, Music/Lyrics:VariousBook:Larry Gallagher, Musical Type:Pre-Contemporary/Revue (1985), Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Music/Lyrics:Miranda CooperMusic:Jennifer DecilveoLyrics:Chris Bush, Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2017), Music:Marvin LairdLyrics/Book:Joel Paley, Music/Lyrics:VariousBook:Phillip George, David Lowenstein, Music/Lyrics/Book:Toby Marlow, Lucy Moss. In this crowd-pleasing, large-cast musical, two strong women quite literally share the leading role. Dani Girl. Cy Coleman's celebrated jazz and pop-inflected score concludes with Sonja and Queen singing a powerful two-woman duet called My Friend.. Divorced. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows Violet and Daisy's progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit, and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movieFreaks. Professional Theatre; Theatre For Young Audiences; Small-Cast Comedies. Heres one you dont see often Triumph of Love is one of those shows that you dont know until you know. 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. MAMMA MIA! 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. ), Cher Biopic and more. 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. Also available in a Large Cast Edition (US/UK). Based on the TV show SpongeBob SquarePants, The SpongeBob Musical is a fun, optimistic show for high school students. Each category is sorted alphabetically. Send us a message, and well add it to the list! You can bet that local families will be buying tickets en masse no parent is going to deny their kids the chance to see Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion in person? Many offer streaming or piano-only accompaniment. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Died. it's time. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. . The Rink by Terrence McNally, John Kander & Fred Ebb (US/UK)(Dramatic Comedy / 3f, 5m +Ensemble)Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli starred in the original Broadway run of this innovative musical set in Coney Island, New York. 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. Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, about one moment. All Shows; Popular: Popular Types: Popular; Good for Kids; Small Cast; Large Cast; Comedic; Romantic; . 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. The musical tells the stories of these three remarkable sisters set against the First World War and other great events of the time. Roxie & Velma Mame and Vera Effie, Deena and Lorrell when two or more great female leads share the stage, theatre magic happens! 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. The rights probably wont become available to high schools and community theaters for several years. There is a whole art form that is drag," Emerick said, adding that the theater has thousands of years of history of casting this way as well. political all-female cast play. History: Originally staged Off-Broadway in 2014 as a one-hour children's musical, it was developed into a full-length musical that opened Off-Broadway in 2017 to positive reviews.After a national tour it came to Broadway in 2019 for a limited run of ninety-five performances that . "The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. [title of show] on Broadway. A small musical is the perfect way to show off your best performers. 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! Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespians Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. And once you do, you're likely to become a superfan! "Life is what you do while you're waiting to die" - Zorba, "Somethin's comin', I don't know what it is but it is gonna be great!". Is. 63 Best Musicals for High School: The Ultimate List, Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals (and the Stories Behind Them), How to Build an Actor Website: A Complete Guide. There are also two adult roles, which you can assign to students. 311. Survived. Watch videos and learn about plot, characters, context, songs. Though it does reference adult activity (drinking, dot, dot, dot), Mamma Mia! Everyone's favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical. Survived.. Audition Songs But when spunky transfer student Lysistrata Jones dares the squads fed-up girlfriends to stop giving it up to their boyfriends until they win a game, the team's legendary losing streak could finally come to an end. With a tuneful, groovy, mid-1960s score by Cy Coleman, sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a hilarious book by Neil Simon,Sweet Charitycaptures all the energy, humour, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist. At some point, its time to look into the best contemporary musicals for high schoolers. Falsettos: Following its 2016 revival, which was filmed for broadcast in cinemas and on public television, this 1992 musical returned to public notice. is relatively tame and appropriate for high school. Survived. Get ready youre about to hear theres no place like home on repeat. 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. Read expert guides about theatre shows including musicals, plays and operas. The cast is made up of just 8 characters, each with plenty to do and best of all, the romantic leads are teenagers. (Its hardly shocking, though, and audiences in more progressive areas wont bat an eye.) Elvis Has Left the Building V. Cate Productions (52) Comedy; 90 - 100 minutes ; 2 W, 3 M, . Traumatized by the death of her infant son from an undiagnosed intestinal obstruction, Diana has . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Beheaded. 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. New to musical theater licensing? 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. As You Like It by Shaina Taub & Laurie Woolery (US/UK)(Dramatic Comedy / 5f, 6m +Ensemble, Flexible Casting)A ravishing new musical adaptation of Shakespeares classic story of chance encounters and self-discovery, As You Like It is an immersive, dreamlike tale of faithful friends, feuding families and lovers in disguise. 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 students are in the thick of it they have a unique and visceral understanding of the characters problems and intense emotions. 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 . Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy 2f, 2m Quick View. Dramatists Play Service; Broadway Licensing; Stage Rights; . Just as Anna Antonelli's roller rink is about to be demolished, her estranged daughter returns, sparking painful memories and reawakening unresolved conflict. "Life keeps happening everyday, Say Yes" - 70, Girls, 70 Are you looking for an easy musical that doesnt look easy? And once you do, youre likely to become a superfan! All of the below musicals have six roles or less, and are listed from the smallest cast size to the largest. Sue Parrish - Editor. Small cast musicals are a lifesaver in the era of COVID; its easier to organize a streaming production or Zoom musical when you only have to wrangle a few people! After the movie craze swept TikTok, were willing to bet that most of your high school actors are familiar with Matilda the musical. Beheaded. Most of the libretto is on the CD. This isnt your typical love story the woman, Cathy, tells the story from the end of the relationship, while Jamie, the man, tells it from the beginning. All the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and four students, take the stage to celebrate the season with warmth and hilarity. Plus, the cast has a large number of roles, so you can show off more of your talented performers. You can adapt this musical to fit a big theater or a tiny venue; the staging is remarkably flexible. We also have had many producers, directors, and educators who said they'd love to see showsbig, medium, smallfor mostly female casts. It can be challenging, but its worth it to see shy kids transform into confident, capable actors and singers. Sometimes, you just need a surefire hit for your theater program and thats when its time to choose from the most popular high school musicals. Four companies handle the majority of musical theater licensing: Another licensing company, Tams-Witmark, was acquired by Concord Theatricals in 2018. I believe it calls for a 9 person cast. Small cast musicals are also a great option for COVID-era streaming productions or experimental college theater. Here are 26 musicals featuring women standing (and singing) side by side. The story follows five friends who are writing a musical. Check out the handy explanation at MTI. 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. One good thing about revisiting "Pretty Woman": You can't deny that society has made some real progress since 1990. Beheaded. You are SO right, Jane! I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change is a GREAT small cast show, featuring 4 performers ( 2 M, 2 W). In this crowd-pleasing, large-cast musical, two strong women quite literally share the leading role. Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, about one moment. Brilliant innovators with humble roots, both were masters of self-invention who sacrificed everything to become the countrys first major female entrepreneurs. Set in a girls school in England, the plot is charming and more than a little absurd. $26.99 , $20.24 (25% off) With this combustible combination, Nunsense cant help but rise to the heavens! See more ideas about musicals, it cast, musical theatre. Cast: 3 female, 1 maleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. Think back do you remember when you first felt your castmates turning into family? The rip-roaringest canteen show of them all features a wide variety of women: still-glamorous movie legend Marian Ames, her drum-playing stand-in Jo Sterling, her skittish niece Katie, solid-as-a-rock piano-playing riveter Topeka Abotelli, and leggy chorine Lilly McBain. I love how the Leonide is constantly making things up, which I think is always fun for an audience (like NOISES OFF). The Grass Harp by Kenward Elmslie, Claibe Richardson & Truman Capote (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f, 4m, 2 girls, 3 boys)Three women lead the narrative in this 1971 musical adaptation of Truman Capotes intimate and moving play: Dollyheart, a sweet-natured spinster with a secret recipe for an elixir cure; her demanding sister, Verena, who is determined to exploit the recipe for her own purposes, and the revivalist Babylove, whose Miracle Show promises redemption for all. Shrek the Musical JR. Best for strong male and female leads. Some shows, including Lucky Stiff and Weird Romance, are small cast musicals that provide a fun challenge for your most dedicated and passionate students between big productions. (The female performer should be prepared to sing!) Its a true spectacle: big ensemble numbers, a soaring score, and even a little bit of dap dancing. Based on Charles Dickens Oliver Twist, it tells the story of an orphan boy and his band of buddies. If you conceive it correctly, you can do most any musical (not all) with a small cast. Smile by Howard Ashman & Marvin Hamlisch (US/UK) (Comedy / 10f, 6m, 2 boys) . (See above: Cynthia Erivo giving a masterclass in the power of simplicity and raw emotion) Jamie and Cathy are often onstage alone, existing in the same moment only once during the musical. Its the perfect musical for high schoolers; theres a solid moral to the story, and each actor gets to explore more than one character. With its modern take on the Aristophanes classic,Lysistrata Jonesbrings a contemporary pop/rock energy to Douglas Carter Beane's hilarious script.