Read More. Get ready youre about to hear theres no place like home on repeat. We've created a list of 10 musicals featuring smaller casts that fit perfectly on small stages or more intimate venues. This brassy, tuneful, hilarious and touching adaptation of Patrick Dennis's bestseller Auntie Mame features two of musical theatres most colorful characters. Music:Andrew LippaLyrics/Book:Brian Crawley, Music/Lyrics:Janis Joplin, VariousBook:Randy Johnson, Musical Type:Contemporary/Jukebox (2013), Music:Elton JohnLyrics:Tim RiceBook:Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, David Henry Hwang, Music/Lyrics:Daniel MessLyrics:Nathan TysenBook:Craig Lucas, Music:Stephen FlahertyLyrics:Lynn AhrensBook:Terrence McNally, Music/Lyrics:Norman CampbellLyrics/Book:Don Harron, Elaine Campbell, Mavor Moore, Music:Charles StrouseLyrics:Martin CharninBook:Thomas Meehan, Music:Charles StrouseLyrics:Lee AdamsBook:Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Music/Lyrics:Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia WeilBook:Douglas McGrath, Music:Jeanine Tesori Lyrics/Book:Tony Kushner, Music/Lyrics:VariousBook:Dick Scanlan, Sherie Rene Scott, Music:Andrew Lloyd WebberLyrics:Tim Rice, Music:John KanderLyrics:Fred EbbBook:George Abbott, Robert Russell, David Thompson, Music/Lyrics/Book:Gary KupperBook:Rose Caiola, Music:Jule StyneLyrics:Bob MerrillBook:Isobel Lennart, Music/Lyrics:Jerry HermanBook:Michael Stewart, Music:Tom KittLyrics/Book:Brian Yorkey, Im Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road, Music:Nancy FordLyrics/Book:Gretchen Cryer, Music:Zina GoldrichLyrics/Book:Marcy Heisler, Music:Jeanine TesoriLyrics/Book:David Lindsay-Abaire, Music/Lyrics:Nell Benjamin, Laurence OKeefeBook:Heather Hach, Music:Jule StyneLyrics:Leo Robin, Adolph Green, Betty ComdenBook:Anita Loos, Joseph Fields, Kenny Solms, Gail Parent, Music/Lyrics:Jerry HermanBook:Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee, Music/Lyrics:Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, George Stiles, Anthony DreweBook:Julian Fellowes, Musical Type:1964 Film/Contemporary Musical (2004), Music/Lyrics:Tim MinchinBook:Dennis Kelly, Music:Jerome Kern, Victor HerbertLyrics:Clifford Grey, B.G. Set in the Bronx in 1960, A Bronx Tale tells the story of a young boy with mob-boss ambitions and a father whos fighting to keep his son away from organized crime. 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. After the movie craze swept TikTok, were willing to bet that most of your high school actors are familiar with Matilda the musical. Cast of Five or Fewer See All. Based on Charles Dickens Oliver Twist, it tells the story of an orphan boy and his band of buddies. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. Still others are small cast high school musicals, so you dont need to worry about staging and directing an enormous, wayward ensemble. 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. I believe it calls for a 9 person cast. Its actually a set of three short musical tales with music written by the legendary Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Block is available to watch at DailyMotion. You havent heard of the musical Working? Bernarda's five daughters, however, struggle with her cold wishes. You have the ability to cast a female Cat in the Hat, and many of Jungle of Nool characters or non specific. Drama Desk award-winner The Last Five Years is Jason Robert Browns intimate window into a couples Divorced. Plays. Chances are, youve never seen a production of I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change. In this crowd-pleasing, large-cast musical, two strong women quite literally share the leading role. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. As youre choosing a high school musical, some factors to consider include: High schools can do any Broadway musicals that offer licensing rights. If I could direct a short musical, I'd pick this one. Small Cast Collection | Music Theatre International Nuncrackers by Dan Goggin (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f, 1m, 2 girls, 2 boys)The Little Sisters of Hoboken are here to make your holiday season merry and bright! Since the stakes and investment are lower, these mini shows are also a fun way for theaters and college groups to try something new, both for performers and audiences. Here are some showstopping musicals for small groups to perform. Locked away by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella is forbidden from going to the ball. But a secret about Clara threatens to destroy her chance at happiness, and Margaret must make a life-changing decision. Most of the libretto is on the CD. 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. 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.. New Broadway musicals usually arent available for licensing while the show is running on Broadway or touring the country. 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. To learn more about these and other great shows for women, visit Concord Theatricals in the US or UK. Are you looking for an easy musical that doesnt look easy? Listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube. If youre looking for an interesting, slightly offbeat high school musical, The Apple Tree fits the bill. We know what youre thinking is Heathers the Musical appropriate for high school? 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. This musical captures a snapshot-sharp portrait of the lives, loves, disappointments, and dreams of these young women growing up during the turbulent sixties and seventies and reconnecting in the late 1980s. (We loved watching in real time, but its also fun as a replay.) This is a great show to do while your students are in the Halloween spirit, but it works any time of year. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. She has a TESOL drama certificate, a BA in theatre, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. But as the girls' dreams and desires challenge their mother's harsh rules, the outside world begins to permeate their isolated existence. Its easy to see why the characters are quirky, the music is fun, and the sets are delightfully dark. 75+ Musicals for Small Casts A Full List of Shows, Spotlight On Cameron Bernard Jones: Acting Edition. Smile (Ashman) by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Ashman (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 10f, 6m, 2boy(s)At the Young American Miss Pageant in Santa Rosa, California, two young women befriend one another and pursue their dreams, despite a barrage of onstage exploits and backstage intrigue. War Paint by Doug Wright, Michael Korie & Scott Frankel (US/UK)(Drama / 10f, 5m)Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden defined beauty standards for the first half of the 20th century. If you conceive it correctly, you can do most any musical (not all) with a small cast. Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, about one moment. Triumph of Love (7 people) Here's one you don't see often Triumph of Love is one of those shows that you don't know until you know. Brilliant innovators with humble roots, both were masters of self-invention who sacrificed everything to become the countrys first major female entrepreneurs. With spirit, humour, class and wit,Mamecontinues to thrill audiences around the globe. You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! 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. Watch videos and learn about plot, characters, context, songs. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. The core cast has 7 people, but you can add in up to three more if you have some extra performers on hand. This means that when you order something through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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 . 60-minute play scripts with all females about survivors of sexual abuse. Beheaded. The musical, which has an all-female cast, is based on the play The House of Bernarda Alba. 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. You are SO right, Jane! What drama teachers say: Everyone's favorite ogre from the oft-assigned novel, animated movie and Broadway musical leads a cast of storybook misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. These five archetypal film characters prove their mettle while singing over 30 vintage wartime classics. Scripts for all-female theatre. To streamline the process, look for easy shows. Chafing at Albas strict rules, the girls rebel and find ways to interact with the world outside. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube. makes it easy to feature them. Please check it out, its neat! The new wife, Ruth, cant see the ghost wife, and chaos ensues. Beheaded. Small cast musicals are also a great option for COVID-era streaming productions or experimental college theater. They were also fierce competitors whose 50-year tug-of-war would give birth to an industry. Looking for a show that offers a range in vocals, characters and perspective? As you might guess, the dance requirements are significant; its a fun opportunity to get your high schools cheerleading team involved. Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals (and the Stories Behind Them), How to Build an Actor Website: A Complete Guide. See our disclosurefor more info. 311. Scaled-down musicals have big benefits. Showtime! 9 Perfect Musicals for the Middle School Set Musicals with a majority of roles for women - Pinterest 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 rousing, sure-fire finale hits the mark every time in a testament to the power of female ingenuity. The girls' dreams and desires challenge their mother's harsh rules and the outside world begins to slowly permeate their isolated existence. ), Cher Biopic and more. Plays and Musicals with All-Female Casts from Pioneer Drama Service Heres one you dont see often Triumph of Love is one of those shows that you dont know until you know. Others, like Working, are easy to direct. The biggest challenge is Audrey II, the bloodthirsty plant. (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. Produced by Sydney Harper and Eric Krupke. Send us a message, and well add it to the list! Manage Settings Margaret and Clara are touring the Tuscan countryside when Clara meets the handsome Fabrizio. Divorced. Shrek the Musical JR. Best for strong male and female leads. 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. I agree with TRIUMPH OF LOVE. Mame by Jerome Lawrence, Robert E. Lee & Jerry Herman (US/UK)(Comedy / 6f, 6m +Ensemble)Mame Dennis and Vera Charles are quintessential frenemies. Each category is sorted alphabetically. . Four companies handle the majority of musical theater licensing: Another licensing company, Tams-Witmark, was acquired by Concord Theatricals in 2018. It can be challenging, but its worth it to see shy kids transform into confident, capable actors and singers. Die-hard theater nerds have always been obsessed with Sondheims masterpiece, Into the Woods. Packed with all the snarky fun and high-octane stunts of the 2000 movie, Bring It On The Musical has a mostly female cast. Thats where youll find musicals sorted by composer, theme, setting, and more! One of the best small musicals I know, and it will be performed more and more in years to come, in my opinion. 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. Side Show (2014 Broadway Revival) by Henry Krieger and Bill Russell (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Drama /7f, 14m)Based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became stars during the Depression,Side Showis a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. MAMMA MIA! Marie Christine by Michael John LaChiusa (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Drama / 10f, 6m, 2boy(s)Set in the twilight years of the 19th century,Marie Christinechronicles its doomed heroine's journey from her genteel life of privilege in New Orleans Creole society through betrayal and incomprehensible vengeance in boisterous Chicago. Women Centre Stage - Eight Short Plays by and about Women. Professional Theatre; Theatre For Young Audiences; Small-Cast Comedies. If youre just starting a theater program, the undeniable magic of Cinderella is sure to draw your kids in and keep them spellbound. Has there ever been a better pairing of two triple-threat performers? The music is fun, but it doesnt involve complicated harmonies or challenging rhythms. Beheaded. Gift Guides 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. (The female performer should be prepared to sing!) 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. 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. New York, NY 10107-0102, I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road, Love, Linda (The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter), Rodgers & Hammersteins A Grand Night for Singing, Some Enchanted Evening - The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Original), Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (Broadway Version). Can be expanded, but 4 works great. Feel free to share in the comments below! April 14, 2023. Based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, Carrie. Theatre Degree Programs. 63 Best Musicals for High School: The Ultimate List. Heathers The Musical by Kevin Murphy & Laurence OKeefe (US/UK)(Dark Comedy / 9f, 8m)Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. $26.99 , $20.24 (25% off) Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent 2020. Based on the novel of the same name by Rick Riordan. Annie is one of those musicals that everyone knows its a family friendly show, which is handy if you live in a conservative area. What Actors, Producers and Audiences are Looking For in New Musicals Cast: 10 femaleLicensing: Concord Theatricals. . 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. High schools cant do Dear Evan Hansen because the musical is not yet available for licensing. Well always be bosom buddies, they sing in one of the greatest duets ever written for two women. When she's discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. 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. That depends on your high school, of course; the original version is definitely going to cause a fuss. Watch the entire show on YouTube. 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. At Theater Love, we believe that musical theater is magic. Costumes are easy to put together with thrift-store finds or volunteers who can sew, and you can get away with very minimal sets. Though it does reference adult activity (drinking, dot, dot, dot), Mamma Mia! Actually, LUCKY STIFF is exactly ten people. This ridiculous, laugh-out-loud funny farce deals with dark themes in a lighthearted way, always with great self-awareness. Cast: 0-4M, 7-8 F (minimum 7F) Set/Time: Simple interior and exterior sets / About 90 minutes. At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. With its modern take on the Aristophanes classic,Lysistrata Jonesbrings a contemporary pop/rock energy to Douglas Carter Beane's hilarious script. 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 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. Youll need an exceptionally strong mezzo soprano or soprano and tenor who can both sing, act, and command an audience on their own. Since it debuted in 2010, the Addams Family has been rising up the charts of the top high school musicals. It's basically a Jerry Herman revue that can be interpreted in anyway possible. Its also one of the best small cast musicals for high school and since everyone recognizes the name, selling tickets is a breeze! Should You Put Music on an iPad for a Musical Theater Audition? Its a place where everyone belongs a lifesaver for kids who feel like they dont fit in anywhere else in high school. is a classic high school musical and with 17 roles, its the perfect option for a large cast. Double Trouble (A Musical Tour de Farce) 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. When Roxie and Velma close out the show with their duet Nowadays, youll wonder if musical theatre ever gets any better. Based on her life story, this musical chart the emotional highs and lows of Joans journey from the East End to the West End. Many offer streaming or piano-only accompaniment. 70, Girls, 70 by David Thompson, Norman L. Martin, John Kander & Fred Ebb (US/UK)(Comedy / 6f, 4m +Ensemble)Mildred Natwick, Lillian Roth and Lillian Hayman led the original Broadway cast of this wacky musical comedy featuring older actors. It's very cool and different. Divorced. 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 . Find and Buy All Female Plays | Stageplays.com The 1970s are alive and well in this comedy jukebox musical, which pokes fun at classic disaster movies. . And once you do, youre likely to become a superfan! Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, about one moment. Legally, high schools can perform any musical thats available for licensing. Thanks for the suggestion! A small cast can create a great big show! You can perform it in a theater of any size, but it works particularly well in an intimate black-box setting. 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. This jukebox musical is fun and unexpected, featuring music from Katy Perry, The Supremes, and more. Nunsense by Dan Goggin (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f)This zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue features five great roles for women. Musicals for Small Casts. Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Gypsy Rose Lee (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 6f, 2m)Gypsyis the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters' success - while secretly yearning for her own. Fun and irreverent, this is an excellent musical for high schools with largely female performers. 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. Small Cast Comedy Plays | StageAgent (Theres something about a nun costume that makes a chorus role more fun.) At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. If your theater program needs to make money for future shows, this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is sure to spike ticket sales. (see video above). 250 W. 57th Street 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. All Shows; Popular: Popular Types: Popular; Good for Kids; Small Cast; Large Cast; Comedic; Romantic; . Multiverse: 25th Anniversary Performance, Third Film, New Tour, Limited Bway Run in 2025(? Song Database At some point, its time to look into the best contemporary musicals for high schoolers. Make sure to listen carefully to Chips Lament before you select this show; its the song thats most likely to hold up the approval process. Lysistrata Jones by Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 4f, 3m)The Athens University basketball team hasnt won a game in thirty years. And when you need to sell tickets, its sure to be a hit. If that sounds familiar a low-budget high school musical is a great solution. If you have an actress who looks too young for most leading roles, this is a great opportunity. Resources Audition Songs Theatre Trip participates in affiliate programs. 3. Small Cast Musicals | StageAgent These rules dont always apply to Broadway revivals, though you might find that rights are restricted in your area when a touring company is nearby. "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. Its a spectacular opportunity to show off your best singers and actors each daughter gets her own song. Think back do you remember when you first felt your castmates turning into family? Please note:This post contains affiliate links. Gain full access to show guides, character breakdowns, auditions, monologues and more. "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. Dreamgirls chronicles one Motown group's rise from obscurity to superstardom. 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. You can adapt this musical to fit a big theater or a tiny venue; the staging is remarkably flexible. Salem's Daughter. Luckily, there is no shortage of wonderful musicals that involve smaller casts and are even particularly effective in smaller venues. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images. 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 cast is made up of just 8 characters, each with plenty to do and best of all, the romantic leads are teenagers. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical. 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.
