What are the Top Musicals Performed in High Schools?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior and really into thearts. I'm wondering, what are the most frequently performed musicals in high school? I'd love to get a sense about what shows high schools typically put on so I can familiarize myself with them.

Hello! It's absolutely fantastic that you're taking such an interest in theatrical arts. As far as high school musical performances go, there are some popular shows that you might see performed quite frequently. Let's look at some of them:

1. "Grease": This beloved musical set in the 1950s resonates with high school students due to its universal themes of peer pressure, first love, and the thrills and frustrations of adolescence.

2. "The Sound of Music": A classic musical with an engaging story about a novice nun turned governess and her charges. It offers numerous engaging roles for young performers.

3. "Little Shop of Horrors": A unique comedy-horror-rock musical. The blend of humor, catchy tunes, and an unusual story of a plant that demands to be fed makes it a popular choice.

4. "Into The Woods": This musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and pursuits. It's a bit more challenging musically and thematically, which could be appealing for a more experienced cast.

5. "Guys and Dolls": Based in New York, it's about gamblers, salvation army workers, and their love interests. A large ensemble makes it easy to include many students.

6. "Fiddler on the Roof": This musical tackles tradition, family, and change in a shtetl in Imperial Russia, and it's known for its memorable tunes and dances.

7. "Beauty and the Beast" - Adaptable from the Disney film, it features lovable characters, a familiar story, and offers many roles for students.

8. "Footloose": Who doesn’t love a dance-heavy show based on an iconic 80’s movie which explores themes like rebellion and self-expression?

Remember, it's also a good idea to be open to lesser-known musicals as well. Schools might choose a less common show for a variety of reasons, like the school's budget, the talents of the students, or even the preference of the director. Nonetheless, these musicals should give you a good starting point for familiarizing yourself with shows that you might audition for or see performed in high school. Happy studying!