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It is impossible for me to to tell you what would be "the perfect first
musical" for your group. There are over 500 professional titles to choose
from, but the shows listed here are strong candidates for first-time directors
and untested performers. They fit the following criteria –
- The technical demands are reasonable
- The choreography is simple
- The material provides solid entertainment
- The book and lyrics are family friendly
The last point is not a small one. Many great shows involve controversial topics
or or depict sensitive situations. For example, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Pippin,
and Grease have each inspired complaints due to sexual situations or
coarse language. If you want your production to be the first of many, avoid material
that parents or local officials might find offensive. Controversy can derail your
efforts and/or leave people reluctant to support your
future productions. When you are starting up, keep as many people on your
side as possible. After your group has an established reputation, you may
be able to consider more ambitious choices.
Of course, the musical you love and can give the most to may
not be on this list – go with your heart (as well as your head) on this
decision. Just do your best to pick a show that fits your group's
abilities.
You can find out how to obtain performance rights to these and
other musicals by going to our show rights index.
The rights holder for each show is noted in parenthesis.
Annie (MTI)- If you have lots of talented little girls, a
powerhouse comic actress to play Miss Hannigan, and a tenor who can be Daddy
Warbucks, your performers and audiences will have a ball with this
one. Try to get a real dog that can learn the tricks – it is
more effective than having someone in a pooch suit, but even that can work
when done well. If you plan your production in November or December,
Annie's Christmas theme adds to the fun.
Big River (R&H) - A great choice for new groups with an
interracial talent pool. It has many enjoyable characters and an underrated score.
You will require two solid singing actors for Huck Finn and escaped slave Jim. Don't
let age issues stop you from attempting this show.
On Broadway, the teenaged "boys" were all played by adults.
Warning - If you are in one of those small minded communities where
there have been controversies over the placement of Huckleberry Finn
in local libraries, this show is probably not your safest choice.
Bye, Bye, Birdie (TAMS) - High school-age performers can
shine in this classic, and they still enjoy spoofing the "Elvis"
era. Workable dancing, mostly easy singing, and lots of good supporting
comic roles add up to a fun show.
Carnival (TAMS) - If you have a small core group
of solid singing actors, this colorful show is all too rarely done yet
offers fine entertainment. The puppet show and magic tricks are workable
hurdles, and the ensemble can have fun without worrying about any major
dancing.
Damn Yankees (MTI) - If baseball is big where you live, this
show deserves special consideration. Loads of fun, great roles, and the
choreography can be kept minimal. The key is to find a sexy Lola, a funny-evil
Applegate, and a likeable Joe Hardy (the only lead who must have a
strong singing voice). The chorus of ballplayers belting out "Heart" is
still a guaranteed showstopper.
Fantasticks, The (MTI) - An intimate gem, this show
requires a cast of nine and a tiny orchestra. The material can be musically
demanding, so be sure your talent pool is up to it. Perfect for smaller
venues, this charmer may not be appropriate for large performance spaces.
Godspell (MTI) - A natural for church groups, this is a
great showcase for young performers. The set can be a
bit of chain link fence, a backdrop, or nothing at all. The costumes are
street clothes. This material
relies on the charm of the performers. Easy to stage &
sing, bursting with exuberance, and appropriate for audiences of
all ages – one of the best shows for new groups.
H.M.S. Pinafore - see Pirates of Penzance
Is There Life After High School? (SF) - A great (if little-known)
show for a troupe of talented adults. Every performer gets great
moments, but all have to be good – they even get to perform as a comically
dreadful school band at one point. (I have seen productions that simply
mimed with invisible instruments, to excellent effect.) Audiences may not know
the title, but they love this heartfelt bittersweet look at teenage memories.
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (R&H) - This
is a great show for talented youngsters and teens. The singing is in a pop
style, and there is a comfortable blend of comedy and honest
non-romantic emotion. Many supporting characters have their moments to shine,
and no one (not even the title
character) has to shoulder too much. Successful in anything from a
concert format to a full staging, Joseph is as
close to surefire as you can get.
Les Miserables (MTI) - This is a great show for older kids and/or
adults, if you have enough solid singers for the leads. Loads of great character
roles. The show is sung-through, so don't underestimate the musical demands –
and the original version runs well over three hours. High schools and community
theatres are reporting tremendous success with this all across the country.
Mikado, The - see Pirates of Penzance
Oklahoma (R&H) - Landmark or not, this is still one of
the most surefire musical comedies ever written, and I've seen school kids
triumph with it. Great score, lots of juicy roles. The leads have to do some
major singing and the title tune is a soaring chorale, so this will be easier
if your group has trained singers. The dances can be kept simple, even
the ballet – I've seen it work as a pantomime sequence staged
with only hints of formal dance.
Oliver (TAMS) - If you have a lot of talented boys on hand,
this is a natural – and many productions mix in boys and girls for the
ensemble with no problems. You need actors with strong
personalities to play Fagin and Dodger, and a good female belter for
Nancy – otherwise, it has familiar songs and a
great script. Most of the period costumes are on the scruffy side
and easy to create, and the sets can be whatever your team can
manage. I saw a great amateur version that used no sets, only
chairs, tables and a few prop pieces.
Pirates of Penzance, The - If you are working with a chorus or
choir, or are affiliated with a school that has an active music program,
the works of Gilbert & Sullivan are worth considering. Pirates,
HMS Pinafore, and Mikado are still audience
pleasers, but I think Pirates is the most promising choice for new
groups. Some serious solo & choral singing is required, but the material
is still funny, and you need only two simple sets. Another advantage
is that all the G&S shows are in the public domain, so there are no
rights to pay. (You have to buy or rent vocal scores & orchestrations,
but the librettos are available for free at the
G&S Archive Website.)
Fair warning – G&S can be addictive. Once you give performers
a taste, don't be surprised if they want more. If your group develops a
G&S tradition, you'll have over a dozen fine shows to
work through.
She Loves Me (MTI) - One of the most endearing musicals ever
written, people who work on productions of this show tend to boast about
it for years afterwards. You will need a strong pair of legit singers
(tenor & soprano) for the leads, but the rest of the characters call
for strong personalities who can sing. Worth considering.
Sound of Music, The (R&H) - A guaranteed ticket seller
– do this show, and the people will come. If you have access to good
child performers, a solid actress to play Maria and a great soprano for
Mother Abbess, the rest can
fall into place. Some of the best productions I've seen of this show
were done by amateurs on limited budgets. In one case, they had Maria
sing the title song while coming down through the audience, as if the raked
auditorium was a mountainside – fresh, simple and effective.
You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (TAMS) - This charming
small cast project requires solid talent
in every role. The music is not too demanding, but every performer must
have lots of personality. There are two delightful versions available –
the original and the Broadway revival. The latter includes some great new
songs, but be sure to review both versions before deciding.
Although appropriate for children, grown-ups love this show.
On to Picking the Right Musical |