Thanks for the suggestions, everyone, keep them coming!
The last two musicals we did were Mean Girls and Once Upon a Mattress. I just co-directed Freaky Friday for the community theatre over the summer. A new youth theatre group in town is doing Xanadu Jr this summer as well. So, all those are out.
Historically the department always does musicals with a chorus/ensemble or has created one if it didn't exist. While I'd be happy to do something smaller cast, I worry about being exclusionary. I'm losing a strong senior class after this year and haven't had much engagement from the freshmen class thus far, but anticipate lots will come out for a musical. I'm worried that part of this is from the new youth group. They were originally going to cut it off at 15, but they've extended to 18. I worry about alienating the younger kids who now have this other option.
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Noel Wotherspoon
High School Drama Director
Fairfield High School
IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2025 13:03
From: Noel Wotherspoon
Subject: Musicals with few male characters
I'm looking for musical options that don't require many guys but still have a few. I have half a dozen strong females, and others who can handle featured roles. Boys are my issue. I have one senior guy who is a decent tenor and a solid performer, but would really struggle to pull off traditional romantic lead. It's just not in his personality and his acting range is limited. But he is the only guy who sings who I am counting on to audition at this point. I have two of freshmen boys I haven't really worked with who may show up. Another boy who doesn't sing. Possibly others will come out of the woodwork, but I can't make a choice that hinges on hypothetical Troy Boltons.
So, any thoughts on shows for strong females that can work with 1-3 singing males?
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Noel Wotherspoon
High School Drama Director
Fairfield High School
IA
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