Choosing a musical to perform

[Jellylorum]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 2:30pm

I'm helping my college pick a musical to perform next fall, and based on the following criteria, what are some shows we could do?

- Sets should not not be too hard to design.

- Our theatre program is small and weak. There's a shortage of good actors, so we shouldn't do anything where the acting is too hard to handle.

- We do have a kick ass music school, though. There are plenty of good musicians and singers to choose from, so there's no need to be picky when it comes to music.

- I want to do something that is obscure, but that has never turned out well at my school, as few people want to see something they've never heard of. But I don't want to do something that's way too popular and overdone either. So basically, I need something that's fresh but appealing, especially to a typical college student.

- Any cast size is fine.

- None of the roles should be race specific.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Updated On: 4/17/07 at 02:30 PM

[center or back]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 3:17pm

What about Pirates of Penzance? Its an incredibally challanging show vocally. You wouldnt need elaborate sets and even though there is a bit of acting, the music carries the show. It's a fun fun fun show and has some great parts. You can make it 60 people or 16, just depends on how big of a production you want
Updated On: 4/17/07 at 03:17 PM

[Jellylorum]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 4:19pm

Thanks, I'll look into it.

I would also like to add that successful musicals that have been put on in the past were Cabaret and Urinetown. Into the Woods didn't do very well.

[eb412]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 7:00pm

maybe seussical?...not obscure but i dont think to well know...the general audience wont have seen too many productions (though its becoming popular to do) but the seuss name will draw families in. the characters are silly and not complex...just lovable and theres many featured singing roles...the set is just basically colorful and you could be creative with it making it simple or complex

[eb412]

Posted: 4/17/07 at 7:01pm

or school house rock live...its very simple story and dialogue and is basically just the songs of school house rock which people know and love..yet have never probably seen on stage...the set can be very simple and/or fun...again just a fun show not really an acted show

[Julian2]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 2:05am

What about "IT'S A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS SUPERMAN!"?

-Sets are regular urban locals, nothing too hard to get your hands on.
-Simple and campy.
-The music is great fun-to-sing 60's pop.
-It's an obscure but good show (one deserving of more attention IMHO) but one you can sell on the "Ooo, a Superman musical? Looks like fun!" principle. I'm sure if you could sell Urinetown, you can sell this.
-And from what I know (cast recording, IBDB) it's one of those flexible ensemble shows.

It's licensed by Tams-Witmark.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/21/07 at 8:10am

Hi there,

If you are still searching, perhaps you might like to take a look at our site - we are a boutique publisher specialising in musicals and plays for schools, youth groups and colleges.

"Area 51" in particular I think may suit - it has went down very well wherever it has been staged, has fantastic music which offers great opportunities for singers, and very fun comic book style characters that are great fun and not too challenging to play -

http://www.nextgenpublications.com/musicals-area-51.htm

My personal e-mail is

[e-mail]

So do please get in touch if this interests and I can provide you with more details.

Kind Regards

Rory

[gertiecummings]

Posted: 4/21/07 at 4:08pm

Once Upon a Mattress can be done with a small cast.
Not exactly obscure, but Godspell