Hi, I'm coming out of hibernation.
Just to add to the twin debates happening:
In the first instance, Fiddler is great, as is Drowsy Chaperone. But even more fun is 'Zorro the Musical', which is surprisingly little known here in the states. Our school was one of two to produce it. It has music by the Gipsy Kings (so Bambeleo and a bunch of other popular tunes), and whilst there are three main males (Zorro, his brother Ramon, and a comic sergeant at arms), Zorro has the songs, Ramon doesn't sing and just has to be evil and maniacal, and the comic sergeant has a comedy drunk-along song. There are several female solos, and many beautiful female ensemble-with-solo moment songs throughout. A little cheesy, but a solid show, and may be the thing that appeals more than Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Also, Shrek.
Also, Evita. (Though yeah, it's a bear to mount, but it's still one of my favorite shows we ever produced).
And yes, many teachers are stuck in the same financial risk bear market that CJ brings up. If we don't make money on our musical, many programs can be sunk or at least be strapped for a while while we recoup returns. It is possible to make money on a no-name musical (sorry for the clumsy expression), but it takes a very savvy program and a community that is used to trying new things. I do think if there was some sensible pricing re: musicals licensing it could result in a better turn out.
For high schools in particular, maybe a push to the one act market for musicals? I see so many abbreviated versions of full length musicals cut down for a 40 minute window; it would be lovely to see a complete just under 40 minute musical for high school performers...just a thought.
Oh! Sweet Charity. Another ancient show, but lots of strong female characters. Who might all be sex industry workers. But if you can get past that...!!!! Great songs which still glow.
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Phillip Goodchild
Theatre Arts Instructor
Etobicoke ON
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-30-2018 05:03
From: Crit Fisher
Subject: Musicals that feature a lot of females
Last year at festival they performed 1776. The cast females in a few of the main roles. I was talking to another troop director and they did 1776 with all females. Very much like Hamilton, the disbelief was suspended and it was an amazing production.
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Crit Fisher
Lighting/Sound Designer
New Albany High School
Original Message:
Sent: 01-24-2018
From: Karen Malone
Subject: Musicals that feature a lot of females
Hi. I know I can turn to this community for some suggestions. Next year I will have a lot of talented females and only a few males. It feels like every musical is "guy heavy." We have done Little Women and Legally Blonde in the past, and I don't have much diversity in my student population. I wanted to do "Urinetown" and cast mostly women, but the pit director needs the show to have a big pit as well. I would really like to do something current and/or edgy--it's hard to get my students, and an audience, excited for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (no offense if this is one of your favorites.) I know this type of thread comes up often, but I would appreciate any response.
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Karen Malone
English and IB Theatre Teacher
ITS Adviser
Commack, NY
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