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Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called “Surf’s Up” by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I’m struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: “Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!” Blah, blah…and the song entitled “Little Girl” in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it’s so cute, but I’m having a lot of doubts and now it’s closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B’way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We’re recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

Dear Edwina is a wonderful piece for Middle School. It has lots of fun character opportunities, and featured moments for many actors. And it's a unit set, which feels like a luxury. You can expand the cast with neighborhood kids. It's also a really good one to invite your elementaries to come see.

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Dianne Rowe
Theatre Arts Teacher
Junior Thespian Troupe 88177
Berry Middle School
bit.ly/BerryDrama
Birmingham, AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

I think I'm offended first as a playwright and second as a person of Sicilian heritage. 

I mean, that dialogue... is really bad? Tired, cliched, boring - all the stuff I would love to avoid teaching to my kids. 
And I'd be more than happy to let that little stereotype die an unheralded death.

------------------------------
Don Zolidis
Austin TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

Edwina, Schoolhouse Rock or HONK are all adorable!  MTI JR lots of resources.​

------------------------------
Nell Lynch
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

Hello Patti!

Check out the young at part shows by theatrical rights. I was looking at The Adam's Family at one point. I hope this helps.

https://www.theatricalrights.com/youngatpart/

Fredreka

------------------------------
Fredreka Irvine
Teacher of Theater Arts
Carlsbad CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

How about Sing Down the Moon?

https://www.dramaticpublishing.com/sing-down-the-moon-appalachian-wonder-tales



------------------------------
Rosalind Flynn
Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
Director, The High School Drama Institute
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC
drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
drama.cua.edu/summer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

#Pattiveconi

I’ve done these that fit your criteria, some are also from Pioneer which has a new feature in its hard copy catalogue that shows # of parts for all shows in a chart:

Pioneer:
Oz!
Secret Garden
Meet Me in St Louis

Others:
Li’l Abner
Annie Get Your Gun
Drood!
Applause

This year I’m using Eldridge:

Hoop: A Basketball Musical

I’ve would have liked to do Imaginary (TRW) but the cost was out of range.

Maria Stadtmueller
St. Augustine School
Kendall Park, NJ




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Original Message------

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called “Surf’s Up” by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I’m struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: “Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!” Blah, blah…and the song entitled “Little Girl” in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it’s so cute, but I’m having a lot of doubts and now it’s closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B’way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We’re recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

Years ago, I directed Brian Way's "Wanna Play" with my middle school students. It's more of a musical review that touches on many issues facing young adolescents: sisters, braces, puberty, parents, dreams, etc. The kids and parents had a great time with it. I don't remember who has the rights.

------------------------------
Patrick Kerr
Retired
Grayslake Community High School District 127
Gurnee IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

I think you're perhaps after this one: Wanna Play?!
https://www.samuelfrench.com/p/7359/wanna-play

------------------------------
Douglas "Chip" Rome
Theatre Consultant
Educational Stages
Burke VA
http://bit.ly/EdStages
http://bit.ly/RWTEOview
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-21-2019 11:16
From: Patrick Kerr
Subject: Help me decide!!

Years ago, I directed Brian Way's "Wanna Play" with my middle school students. It's more of a musical review that touches on many issues facing young adolescents: sisters, braces, puberty, parents, dreams, etc. The kids and parents had a great time with it. I don't remember who has the rights.

------------------------------
Patrick Kerr
Retired
Grayslake Community High School District 127
Gurnee IL

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?

Schoolhouse Rock, Honk!, You're a good Man Charlie Brown. All these have opportunity to have and expanded ​cast and great music.

------------------------------
Crit Fisher
Lighting/Sound Designer
New Albany High School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2019 17:14
From: Patti Veconi
Subject: Help me decide!!

Help! I have promised my middle schoolers a musical this year and we have to keep it in the 75-90 minute range because of how much rehearsal time we get between sports seasons. I like this show called "Surf's Up" by Craig Sodaro, because of the setting, theme and Beach Boys style music. BUT, I'm struggling mightily with some things that I think are not politically correct and/or too dated to just dismiss in my progressive school environment. lIke the Italian grandfather with the broken English referencing his Mafia thug connections: "Day gonna make-a you an offer you no can refuse…my boys-a mess-a you face!" Blah, blah…and the song entitled "Little Girl" in which an adult man tries to convince an adult woman to run off with him… ugh…it's so cute, but I'm having a lot of doubts and now it's closing in on time to decide, get the rights and schedule auditions. If you have any suggestions that fit these criteria, I will be sooooo grateful: 1) Must have at least 25 parts. 2) No Disney or B'way Jr. I already do one of those with my lower school every year. 3) We're recently done pirates, mashed up fairy tales, western and Greek mythology, and modern high school settings, so none of those themes. …. Thoughts, oh mighty hive mind?