Ten Shows: Oldies but Goodies You'll Love to Perform

We all love today’s popular high school musicals. Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, Addams Family.  You probably could add many more.

There are so many wonderful classic musicals to add to this list, however,oldies but goodies, and the great news is many high schools are still performing them today.

So, in no particular order, here are some  timeless musicals you will love to perform. Is your 2018 school musical on this list?

West Side Story- The Great composer Leonard Bernstein would have been 100 years old this year. His beautiful musical is timeless. Who would have thought Romeo and Juliet brought to the New York City Streets. And the score...”Tonight” “America”. Simply the best.

The Music Man- We all love the story of professor Harold Hill and Miss Marion the Librarian. I have a special place in my heart for this one. Was my first high school musical. The score is a blast, “76 Trombones”  “Till there was you” and it’s a great ensemble musical, so perfect for newbies

Grease- Who can forget Sandy, Danny and Rizzo and you just got to love doing the Hand Jive and remembering those summer nights. Great bit parts too. I personally love the teen angel. You can have a blast with that one.  Grease is just Fun, Fun, and Fun.

The King and I- Love this musical as an all school project because you can incorporate your lower grades as well. It also has two wonderful acting opportunities in Anna and the King, Both strong characters and a real stretch for high school students, but amazing to parts to play. Don’t forget the showstopper number “Shall we Dance”.

South Pacific- Another special musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Great songs (“Some Enchanted Evening”, “I’m in Love with a wonderful Guy”) but it’s the haunting story of prejudice, and the horrors of war that touch your heart. Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals always make you think, and this one surely does. A timeless classic.

Hello Dolly- LOVE this show for their over the top production numbers especially at the Harmonia Gardens (“Hello Dolly”) but it also has the most kick ass ensemble pieces. Sunday Best, Before the Parade Passes By. Great show for a female lead that has LOTS of stage presence and a booming voice. Dolly is simply a hoot to play.

Anything Goes-  Fun score, “You’re the Top” Friendship” and” Blow Gabriel Blow” but this musical also has some fun supporting  players and also serves as another great ensemble piece. Note you could work some tap dancing in there too. If you’re a dancing fanatic, this one is for you

42^nd Street- Dancers also love 42^nd Street. This musical, not as well known, is still a great high school favorite. Peggy Sawyer is a fun first role for any musical theater student looking to “try for that lead” this year. And the score? “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway”. Get those character shoes out and get tapping.

Fiddler on the Roof- Love this musical for its acting. The lead character of Tevye is probably as challenging as any role. But what a role to bring out your best singing and acting abilities. The supporting characters from mother Golde to the three daughters tug at your heartstrings as well. Throw in a wonderful score, “Sunrise Sunset”, “Matchmaker” and this is a real winner.

Sound of Music I saved my personal favorite for last. It’s probably one of the best loved musicals and performed in hundreds of schools each year. Ask any high school musical alum and chances are they were in this musical. What can you not like? So many wonderful and different parts from a zest for life Maria, to a strong willed Captain, seven precocious children, a bevy of nuns, a rich baroness…well you get the picture. The score? Bet you can sing every song (always the sign of a great musical) and a heartwarming story of courage as well. SOM is the whole package and a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.