Help - looking for a non-traditional show for a high school production -

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:02pm

Hello -

Here are our last 5 shows we have produced at our 'above average' arts high school -

Violet, Working, Bat Boy, Side Show, Blood Brothers - 2 of which went to the Fringe in Scotland -

But I have hit a wall in picking our next show - as you can tell we stay away for traditional fare -

I would appreciate any suggestions - shows that deal with social issues seem to be our thing -

Thank you for your help - I value most of your opinions
Updated On: 8/9/10 at 10:02 PM

[BwayTday]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:11pm

Parade. Rent. Chicago. Cabaret.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:23pm

I think PARADE can be an incredibly powerful choice - challenging vocally and dramatically, with a large cast and a historical event at its center which tends to rally the entire production team.

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:31pm

could you do parade without african americans ?? -

[matty159]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:31pm

I will concur with Parade. That is the first thing that popped into my head before I even read the following posts...maybe because I just mentioned it in another thread!

[E.Davis]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:32pm

No you cannot do it without African-Americans

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:44pm

You need at least two African American males.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:45pm

THE SPITFIRE GRILL (it's a small cast of six 3M, 3F. amazing music. nice story.)


The rights to LITTLE WOMEN are also available: http://www.theatricalrights.com/#/showdetail/?showid=LIWO/

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:51pm

I agree with BwayTday. Rent, Chicago, and Cabaret would be great. I do not know enough about Parade. I would also add Miss Saigon. I know some high schools do this show, but it is by no means a traditional high school show.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:55pm

3hree

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 10:56pm

I admire your willingness to look outside the box for your students, but what's wrong with a classic? If all you've done are risky, non-traditional shows, shake it up a little.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 11:00pm

Or do a different take on a traditional show.

Or develop an original musical written by your students.

[bwaybri2]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 11:09pm

Perhaps I should have been more accurate - we do non traditional one semester and then traditional - our last five traditional (family friendly) shows have been: Peter Pan, HSMusical (I'm Sorry), Seussical, Music Man, Cinderella -

So I'm looking for shows to compliment those listed above -

Thank you - and Parade has been on the short list for awhile -

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 11:11pm

"You need at least two African American males."

I'd agree with you, Michael Bennett, but the Donmar Parade and the recent Taper versions only had one, and one female.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/9/10 at 11:57pm

As someone who went to a high school where a musical was only done every two years, I'm jealous.

Some ideas:

Lucky Stiff (a very unique challenge)
Zombie Prom
Urinetown

[RICRoyal2010]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:02am

A Man Of No Importance.

[wonderwaiter]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:18am

I second The Spitfire Grill.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:19am

Celebration
Assassins
Once on This Island

[byebyebaby12]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:29am

My sister's high school did Parade in the spring and everyone loved it.

There is always Ragtime if you have ebough black students. South Pacific is also not done a lot by high schools and is one of the first shows with social issues.

[wizard2joe]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 12:57am

Cats!! I know a high school that actually pulled it off.

[xxdrewboy85xx]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 1:44am

I agree The Spitfire Grill, Parade, and A Man of No Importance are all GREAT choices. When I read the original post I immediately thought of those 3.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 9:17am

I was going to make the same comment about variety, but you already have that covered! I only produce one musical a year, but then two other mainstage shows. I try to find a balance between my shows so that the students have an interesting array from their 4 years.

Sweeney Todd
Blood Brothers
Cabaret
Urinetown (it's actually very traditional, but always raises eyebrows)

Have a great school year!

[WayTooBroadway]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 9:22am

DROOOOOOOD.

[iflip4musicals]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 9:36am

My high school did Tommy awhile back. That was certainly not traditional for a high school! Everyone loved it.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/10/10 at 11:24am

the Producers?