High School Musicals: The Top Shows and Why They’re So Popular
What Makes a High School Musical Successful?
Every year, thousands of high schools across the country stage musicals and plays. But what makes some musicals more popular than others? According to drama teachers and experts, there are a few key factors that contribute to a successful high school musical:
- Large cast: A large cast means more students involved, which in turn means more parents and friends attending the show.
- Plenty of roles for girls: Some schools have a disproportionate number of female students, so musicals with plenty of female roles are often more appealing.
- Fun story: A musical with a fun and relatable story is more likely to resonate with audiences and keep them entertained.
- Fits the abilities of the student performers: It’s important to choose a musical that is appropriate for the skills and abilities of the students involved.
The Top High School Musicals of 2015/2016
Based on a survey conducted by Dramatics magazine, the top high school musicals of 2015 and 2016 were:
- The Addams Family
- Mary Poppins
- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
- Cinderella
- Legally Blonde the Musical
- Grease (tie)
- Into the Woods (tie)
- The Little Mermaid (tie)
- Little Shop of Horrors (tie)
- Beauty and the Beast (tie)
- High School Musical (tie)
Why These Musicals Are So Popular
The Addams Family is based on the classic cast of macabre characters and features a grown-up Wednesday Addams hiding her love for a normal young man. The Broadway musical’s dark jokes have a definite high school appeal.
Mary Poppins is a new 16-role adaptation of the Broadway smash and is a hit with audiences. It’s a practically perfect musical in every way.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a Tony Award-winning musical that has been performed in more than 3,000 theaters worldwide. Featuring audience participation and a convenient high school set, it’s become a favorite of drama teachers and fans.
Cinderella is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that has been around since the 1950s, but it’s been even more popular since it was remade in the 1990s in a live-action Disney production starring Brandy. The cast can be switched from small to medium or large, making it a perfect fit for schools of every size.
Legally Blonde the Musical is based on the movie antics of Elle Woods, a sorority girl with legal chops. This show has room for a huge ensemble and plenty of female roles, making it perfect for schools with girl-heavy drama programs.
Grease is a long-time favorite among high schools, featuring Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys, and hoppin’ high school antics. It’s been on the top-10 list since the 1980s.
Into the Woods is a Stephen Sondheim musical with a fractured fairy tale storyline and large cast. It’s a more sophisticated choice for high school performers, but it’s become increasingly popular in recent years.
The Little Mermaid is a Disney musical that became part of your world after its Broadway debut in 2008. Featuring scenes set on land and under the sea, it’s beloved for its gorgeous stagecraft and catchy songs.
Little Shop of Horrors is a PG-13 satire about a plant hungry for human flesh. It’s a nice antidote to more traditional boy-meets-girl stories.
Beauty and the Beast is a musical about a bookish young woman and a hideous beast. It’s based on the Disney version of the love story and has roles for those who can sing, dance, and even perform acrobatics.
High School Musical is a smash Disney Channel movie that has since moved to the stage. It’s a meta musical about a high school musical, and it’s perfect for any high school that wants to put on a show that will have the audience singing along.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many popular high school musicals that are available. When choosing a musical, it’s important to consider the factors that make a successful show, as well as the abilities of the students involved. With careful planning and execution, any high school can put on a musical that will entertain and inspire audiences.
