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Here at MTI we get a lot of the same requests for the same shows over and over again every year from the high schools.  I thought I should point out some shows that work well for high schools that aren't produced so often.

A great introduction to Stephen Sondheim (besides the very doable SWEENEY SCHOOL EDITION) is SATURDAY NIGHT.  It's easier to learn then the usual Sondheim and all the characters are young people aged 16 to 24.  It is 1929 and they are each trying to make their next big step in life right on the eve of the Great Depression.  The score is wonderfully tuneful and there are a lot of good roles for the girls (always a consideration in high school theatre).

STRIKE UP THE BAND is a smart satire on the stupidity of war--rather topical right now.  This makes a good introduction to Gershwin, the show is funny and has something to say.  There is a lot for the chorus to do, so everyone will feel they are a great part of the show.  The show is from 1927, but the topic still holds up and the score is rich.  Includes the title song as well as "The Man I Love," among many others.

THE FROGS takes the classic Greek comedy and modernizes it with a book by Nathan Lane and songs by Stephen Sondheim.  This is an usual show that lends itself to a great cross-curricular oportunity as it discusses Shakespeare, Shaw and Greek Theatre traditions in the form of a wacky fantasy. 

WHERE'S CHARLEY is a light hearted old fashioned musical.  If you have a great male comedian who can dance and can sing even moderately well, then your set for the lead and the rest takes care of itself.  This farce is fast, funny and joyful and won't rock the boat if you are concerned about being too political or "adult" with your choice of material.

I'm not putting down anyone for doing MUSIC MAN, ANNIE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GUYS AND DOLLS, INTO THE WOODS, WEST SIDE STORY, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and the like over and over again--those are great shows--but if you're looking for something suitable but different there's a lot of shows out there to look into.

MJ