The only connection between a man on a peacekeeping mission and the women he loves is via letters. Produced by Sydney Harper and Eric Krupke. Nick Hern Books. 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. This jukebox musical is fun and unexpected, featuring music from Katy Perry, The Supremes, and more. Make sure you have a few talented singers in mind; the character of Olive Ostrovsky, in particular, has some demanding vocal lines. Thats where youll find musicals sorted by composer, theme, setting, and more! New Broadway musicals usually arent available for licensing while the show is running on Broadway or touring the country. 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. 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. Gift Guides 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. Should You Put Music on an iPad for a Musical Theater Audition? As you might guess, this is a musical that may not be well-received in more conservative areas. When Roxie and Velma close out the show with their duet Nowadays, youll wonder if musical theatre ever gets any better. Theres something special about doing a musical set in a high school with actors who are still in high school. 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. 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. At Theater Love, we believe that musical theater is magic. Fun and irreverent, this is an excellent musical for high schools with largely female performers. Based on Louisa May Alcotts novel of the same name, the musical tells the story of the beloved March family. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. Bernarda Alba by Michael John LaChiusa (US/UK)(Drama / 10f)In this all-female musical drama, a powerful matriarch virtually quarantines her five daughters after their fathers death. Small cast musicals are also a great option for COVID-era streaming productions or experimental college theater. And, if you cast a beloved teacher or coach as the Trunchbull, youre sure to draw a crowd. The Spanish origins of the playwright come through in Michael John LaChiusas music, which is at times haunting, lively, and soaring. Little Women the Musical (6 females and 4 males) Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.". is relatively tame and appropriate for high school. It tells the story of a truly modern family, with all of the pain and love that comes along with it. So heres a full list of musicals for small casts. But as the girls' dreams and desires challenge their mother's harsh rules, the outside world begins to permeate their isolated existence. Miss Littlewood by Sam Kenyon (UK)(Full Length Musical / 9f, 3m)Joan Littlewood was the anarchic revolutionary of 20th century theatre. As a bonus, you wont have to spend much on costumes; summer street clothes work just fine. You can perform it in a theater of any size, but it works particularly well in an intimate black-box setting. With emotionally revealing songs and realistically conflicted characters, The Life features a host of great female characters. For theater kids, musicals are the best part of high school. 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. 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. If youre looking for an interesting, slightly offbeat high school musical, The Apple Tree fits the bill. This show, which debuted on Broadway in 1959, is based on The Princess and the Pea. The princess in question is anything but a damsel in distress Winnifred the Woebegone can take care of herself. Since it debuted in 2010, the Addams Family has been rising up the charts of the top high school musicals. 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. Musicals with big ensembles especially those with a variety of featured roles, like Bye Bye Birdie help you foster the talent of all your singers and actors. 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. 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. 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. Get ready youre about to hear theres no place like home on repeat. This means that when you order something through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Died. This touching and satirical musical, from the creators ofLittle Shop of HorrorsandA Chorus Line,follows the intrigue and exploits (both onstage and off) as Santa Rosa, California plays host to the Young American Miss Pageant. After all, theyre cheaper and easier to produce. Wed love to hear about the shows youre doing! Adding Machine: A Musical by Elmer Rice, Joshua Schmidt, Jason Loewith This musical hits all of the bases for high school: its easy to produce, and you can do it on an exceptionally small budget. Died. You wont miss the R-rated elements; the revised version has excellent music, plenty of meaty characters to go around, and some high-school-appropriate life lessons about bullying and inclusivity. We know what youre thinking is Heathers the Musical appropriate for high school? 6th Floor Theres an option to add an all-genders ensemble. Large musicals for high schools are a great way to ensure that everyone who wants to participate, gets to participate. Its also one of the best small cast musicals for high school and since everyone recognizes the name, selling tickets is a breeze! Watch videos and learn about plot, characters, context, songs. From the creators of Little Shop of Horrors and A Chorus Line, Smile follows the intrigue and exploits both onstage and off at the fictional Young American Miss Pageant in Santa Rosa, California. Gift Guides We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If youre searching for a family-friendly, G-rated musical for your high school, Anne of Green Gables fits the bill. Sweet Charity by Neil Simon, Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields, Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano (US/UK)(Full Length Musical, Comedy / 4f, 4m)Inspired by Federico Fellini'sNights of Cabiria,Sweet Charityexplores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. Here are 26 musicals featuring women standing (and singing) side by side. Does your school have a large turnout for auditions? Set in a girls school in England, the plot is charming and more than a little absurd. Cast: 8 female, 6 male; Licensing: Concord Theatricals; Bernarda's five daughters, however, struggle with her cold wishes. Beheaded. Its a tale as old as time: a widower marries again, only to be tormented by the ghost of his first wife. Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. Nearly every musical has some sort of a female lead, so Im featuring the musicals where women carry the show (and not in conjunction with a leading male). 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. A fairy godmother soon appears, bestowing her with a gown, footmen and a pumpkin carriage, but the magic disappears at midnight! Musicals for Small Casts. Roxie & Velma Mame and Vera Effie, Deena and Lorrell when two or more great female leads share the stage, theatre magic happens! Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy 2f, 2m Quick View. Listen to the full soundtrack on YouTube. In this wartime musical revue, MGM star Marian Ames and her all-girl band from the Hollywood Canteen entertain the troops in 1944 London. believe. 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. To streamline the process, look for easy shows. Six is a modern retelling of the lives of Divorced. ), One challenge that high school theater directors face is finding musicals with plenty of roles. We've created a list of 10 musicals featuring smaller casts that fit perfectly on small stages or more intimate venues. Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR. . Your drama students will appreciate the plot child actor Tina Denmark will do almost anything to get the role she wants (even gasp murder). it's time. Together and individually, they pursue their dreams, overcome heartbreak, encounter a motley assortment of colourful characters, and - ultimately - find love. Cinderella is an easy musical to do with your high school students for one reason: the music is extremely singable. Cast size, 8. Should You Put Music on an iPad for a Musical Theater Audition? The script is based on Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice. In this case you have, Gertrude, Mayzie, Sour Kanagaroo, Mayor's Wife, Bird Girls, and the Marshall. * Heres where you can find a full list of musicals with an all-female writing team! This ridiculous, laugh-out-loud funny farce deals with dark themes in a lighthearted way, always with great self-awareness. When she's discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill, he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. 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! Women Centre Stage - Eight Short Plays by and about Women. 35. 250 W. 57th Street Scaled-down musicals have big benefits. Urinetown. The story of "Phantom of the Opera's" meteoric rise and bittersweet closing. Koko Da Doll, who was featured in "Kokomo City," a documentary about four Black transgender sex workers that won awards at the Sundance Film Festival this year . 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. Thanks for the suggestion! It can be challenging, but its worth it to see shy kids transform into confident, capable actors and singers. With a ravishing score and a touching book,The Grass Harp is a Broadway cult favorite featuring great roles for older actresses. Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent 2020. Has there ever been a better pairing of two triple-threat performers? 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! If youre just starting a theater program, the undeniable magic of Cinderella is sure to draw your kids in and keep them spellbound. Let us know about your favorite musicals for high school well add them to the list to help other educators find the best shows for their students. Chicago by Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse & John Kander (US/UK)(Comedy / 10f, 9m) Powerhouses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly not to mention Matron Mama Morton and a host of Merry Murderesses lead the action in this roaring twenties social satire. In honor of International Womens Day this year, I decided to put together a list of musicals with female leads. I'm going to the licensing companies' websites but am still going to post a request for suggestions here on BWW, of course. If you have an actress who looks too young for most leading roles, this is a great opportunity. All Female cast comedies, one-act female plays, plays for two female actors, 10 minute plays for female cast. A small cast can create a great big show! Theatre Degree Programs. Drama Desk award-winner The Last Five Years is Jason Robert Browns intimate window into a couples Divorced. 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. Think back do you remember when you first felt your castmates turning into family? Accessibility Statement Terms Privacy |StageAgent 2020. Please check it out, its neat! Ms. See more ideas about musicals, it cast, musical theatre. Youre not alone this small show is rarely produced. Plus, the cast has a large number of roles, so you can show off more of your talented performers. Rodgers + Hammersteins Cinderella (Broadway Version) by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II & Douglas Carter Beane (US/UK)(Comedy / 5f, 4m +Ensemble)Can the worlds most famous fairy tale, featuring five women (as protagonist, primary supporting role, and all three villains) capture our hearts and our funny bones?