I'm going to the licensing companies' websites but am still going to post a request for suggestions here on BWW, of course. I know other threads exist and I have read some of them, but I would like a fresh thread begun with my restrictions:
I'm an undergrad directing major and am searching for a musical to be my thesis next year. It'll be a fall show as I graduate in December.
Cast size 2-10. That's the only limitation I want to give as I want to consider everything.
Good choices:
THE SPITFIRE GRILL LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS THE LAST FIVE YEARS YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN AVENUE Q (will it be available by then?)
Bad choices:
PUTTING IT TOGETHER TICK...TICK...BOOM!
Thank you!
"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. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Bright Lights Big City... it has a cast size of 12, which is a little bit over what you said but it has recently been made available for licensing, and I could see a great student director going to town with it. http://rnh.com/theatricals/show.php?show_id=107#
Also, A Class Act. Cast size, 8. One of the best small musicals I know, and it will be performed more and more in years to come, in my opinion. http://rnh.com/theatricals/show.php?show_id=86
Showtune. It's basically a Jerry Herman revue that can be interpreted in anyway possible. It's very cool and different. I believe it calls for a 9 person cast. Please check it out, its neat!
"A coherent existance after so many years of muddle" - Desiree' Armfelt, A Little Night Music
"Life keeps happening everyday, Say Yes" - 70, Girls, 70
"Life is what you do while you're waiting to die" - Zorba
Nunsense (5 females) Little Women the Musical (6 females and 4 males) Zanna Don't! (5 males and 3 females) The Fantastiks (7 males and 1 female) Cabaret (around 13 actors, but you can always cut back on the Kit Kat dancers) See What I Wanna See (11 actors I think...) The Rocky Horror Show (originally done with 9 people: 6 males and 3 females) Once On This Island (5 males and 6 females)
I hope this helps.
"Somethin's comin', I don't know what it is but it is gonna be great!"
Good/Bad is just preferences/my taste and as I get suggestions, if I am familiar with the title, I'll add them into it.
"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. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
I agree with TRIUMPH OF LOVE. If I could direct a short musical, I'd pick this one. Most of the libretto is on the CD. I love how the Leonide is constantly making things up, which I think is always fun for an audience (like NOISES OFF).
I am currently Musical Director of a production of TRIUMPH OF LOVE. Seven actors, one set. Period costumes (but not too hard). I know it flopped on Broadway, but our audiences are LOVING it. It's a show that really belongs in a more intimate space.
Other small shows we've done successfully:
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 (revised version - cast of 10) FLORA THE RED MENACE (revised version - cast of 9) TWO BY TWO (cast of 8 )
I know this is like my fifth comment, but I thought of some more:
Ain't Misbehavin' Celebration Forever Plaid I Do! I Do! Marry Me A Little Side By Side By Sondheim You're Gonna Love Tomorrow Up The Pieces Starting Here, Starting Now Edges and... Five Guys Named Moe
"Somethin's comin', I don't know what it is but it is gonna be great!"
Wow, I have a lot of scripts to read and CDs to listen to...
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!! Keep them coming!
"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. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Dames at Sea (cast of 6) I Can't Keep Running in Place (all female cast) I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it On the Road Starting Here, Starting Now Beehive (all female cast) Baby (cast of 6) Closer than Ever Nunsense The Fantasticks Side by Side By Sondheim