This is the time of year when directors and teachers get to experience regret or validation in what they have chosen for performances during this new season or school year. Most of the time, they must acquire materials looking ahead only guessing at what their group will be suited to or will gravitate toward and hope that they have chosen well during the summer.
Kyoko and Animal Warriors from "Momotaro" As a director, you may think you know the talents of the students who will take part in your groups, but you don't always know for sure. Then again, you may be surprised at new talents or sudden development of latent talents as they appear in the students. This situation is what can cause ulcers, for sure.
Cast Photo of "The Tale of Chicken Licken "
Many teachers/directors will do the same few shows over and over again, for good reasons:
Number 1 - They have done it before, so it is a known quantity. They may already own a lot of the costumes, props and scenery, too.
Number 2 - The lead parts are few, so the acting/staging/rehearsing is simplified. The Ensemble can absorb any and all other students that only have to be taught the songs to sing plus a few dance numbers.
Number 3 - Many schools or children's theater companies have very limited budgets, so they must compromise on acquiring new or expensive materials, or hiring extra helpers.
Number 1 - They have done it before, so it is a known quantity. They may already own a lot of the costumes, props and scenery, too.
Number 2 - The lead parts are few, so the acting/staging/rehearsing is simplified. The Ensemble can absorb any and all other students that only have to be taught the songs to sing plus a few dance numbers.
Number 3 - Many schools or children's theater companies have very limited budgets, so they must compromise on acquiring new or expensive materials, or hiring extra helpers.
Dick Whittington with Cook and Dancers for "The Adventures of Dick Whittington"
Well funded groups that have adequate rehearsal time and space as well as talented staff can work to maintain momentum through successive seasons. They may even plan several show runs throughout an entire year. Smart Drama teachers will coordinate with their Music counterparts and plan their School Musical for the next year and ADVERTISE it well before the end of the previous school year. Other groups/teachers are not so fortunate.
My hope is that some brave directors/teachers will take a look at other options as they plan their new seasons. It is good to choose vehicles that can give more than just a few students featured roles and keep more kids busy with meaningful parts throughout the entire show. Take a chance on new works that may be a challenge, but are so worthwhile.
My hope is that some brave directors/teachers will take a look at other options as they plan their new seasons. It is good to choose vehicles that can give more than just a few students featured roles and keep more kids busy with meaningful parts throughout the entire show. Take a chance on new works that may be a challenge, but are so worthwhile.
 Altaire the Magnificent from "Never Cry Wolf" |  Alec and his Mother from "Never Cry Wolf" |
Here are a few suggestions of Main Stage Musicals for 4th-6th Graders:
"The Adventures of Dick Whittington" - interesting historic setting, old English Pantomime characters, fun music and dancing
"Never Cry Wolf" - Aesop fable, ancient Greek setting, story within a story, music from many styles
"Parazade's Quest" - Tale from the 1001 Arabian Nights, opportunities for five female leads and as many males, action, drama, and suspense
"The Adventures of Dick Whittington" - interesting historic setting, old English Pantomime characters, fun music and dancing
"Never Cry Wolf" - Aesop fable, ancient Greek setting, story within a story, music from many styles
"Parazade's Quest" - Tale from the 1001 Arabian Nights, opportunities for five female leads and as many males, action, drama, and suspense
Gypsies from "Parizade's Quest"
Here are a few suggestions of Main Stage Musicals for 2nd-3rd Graders:
"The Tale of Chicken Licken" - Comedic parts for many characters, easily separated into rehearsal units, irresistible costume opportunities
"The Frog Prince" - familiar story without the love interest, parts for many princesses, and plenty of comedy and action for the Knights
"Momotaro" - a beautiful retelling of a Japanese folktale using Kabuki theater stylizations, colorful costume and dance opportunities
"The Tale of Chicken Licken" - Comedic parts for many characters, easily separated into rehearsal units, irresistible costume opportunities
"The Frog Prince" - familiar story without the love interest, parts for many princesses, and plenty of comedy and action for the Knights
"Momotaro" - a beautiful retelling of a Japanese folktale using Kabuki theater stylizations, colorful costume and dance opportunities
Muses and Musicians from "Never Cry Wolf"
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