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Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Great choices for plays. For farce with strong male roles, also consider Peter Shaffer's 'Black Comedy'. Very farcical, physical, and just super funny.

For musicals, there's a number of paths you could take. 'The Wizard of Oz' is another crowd-pleasing, audience drawing production that you could have some fun with (we had our Jitterbug boys double up as our stage hands, very physical and pretty funny flashes of comedy throughout).

'The Drowsy Chaperone' has some great roles for boys and girls. Not as 'well known' or recognizable a brand, but you could really try and sell up the farcical/comedic elements.

'Godspell' or 'Pippin' might be good options, unless you're in North Carolina. :) Both are faintly known outside a theatre milieu, and Godspell especially is a little 'free-er' with casting choices.

Good luck, and congratulations on your success in building a better program!

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Look at Bombity of Errors a rap/hip-hop version of Comedy of Errors. I read it right after I did Comedy and saw how it really works. Lots of physical comedy and rap.

When I taught at a Catholic boys school we did Guys & Dolls with piano and a combo of band/wind instruments. Worked really well. G&D is one of my favorite musicals. 

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Dear John,

Who owns the rights to Bombity of Errors? I've been trying to find it for years. Thanks for your help.

Carol Svoboda

Troupe 2106

Lincoln, NE

Look at Bombity of Errors a rap/hip-hop version of Comedy of Errors. I read it right after I did Comedy and saw how it really works. Lots of physical comedy and rap.

When I taught at a Catholic boys school we did Guys & Dolls with piano and a combo of band/wind instruments. Worked really well. G&D is one of my favorite musicals. 

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen 

Doesn't meet the "rap" component, but I just did All Shook Up.  GREAT Elvis music.  Tons of great male roles.  Can make the ensemble as large as you like.  Fun costumes & sets!  Don't let Elvis fool you though.  The music is challenging, and the story of finding yourself/self-worth/acceptance is always appropriate.

I also second Guys and Dolls! (and I love In the Heights...)

Rain

Longtime follower, first time Poster...

This will be my fourth year as the Theatre Director at a urban school in Denver. Before taking on the position, the Drama Program was virtually eradicated due to low enrollment and low test scores. In three years, I went from one Drama class to last year having 3 full classes, and a stagecraft. I started very small but started rebuilding the program one season at a time. Last year we put on two main stage shows, one dinner theatre and a couple of showcases. Last year we did "Arsenic and Old Lace" for our play and "Grease" for our Musical. Both were a huge success. By the end of Grease we were almost selling out. While personally, I think Grease is not the best musical ever, I knew that it would draw an audience and a cast. That it did. 

This year I am at a loss for our Musical. We are still a very young program and at still at a pivotal place in our development. Here is my thinking:

Plays

Almost Maine- I have at least 5 strong Girls who would be very interested. 5 boys who have been in drama the past 2 year and can be directed, but there strength is physical or farcical comedy and a straight comedy or even dramatic comedy will be out of their comfort zone.

Lend Me a Tenor- Perfect for my Farce Boys

Musicals (This is where I am most lost)

In the Heights- Perfect timing for this Musical, as our community is dealing with Gentrification. We have a high Latino community. My Danny from last year is actually a rapper. 2 boys with amazing voices and 2 others that can match pitch. I have an amazing Soprano. I have 2-3 other decent girl voices. I am not sure I have two female star voices the show would need. The dancing scares me, but i think I could use resources in the community.

Guys and Dolls- This is well known and people would love to see it. I think Musically I could cast it. Our boys are strong and I have Sara and can character sing Adelaide's part. I worry about how big the show is just setting and dancing etc. I also really worry about orchestration. Grease had a small student band, Guys and Dolls looks crazy big. 

Thoroughly Modern Millie- Love this musical and it looks fun, but I worry the boy parts are slim and I have lots of talent (all relative...I have 2 good singers and 2 great singers). I also worry about the Tap element and the racial stereotyping.

So these are my ridiculous thoughts. . I need to draw a crowd and interest in the program. Any ideas, insights, advice would be welcomed!

Megen