As any drama club member can attest, putting on a musical means you and your fellow thespians are “all in this together.” And while not everyone can (or should!) be a Wildcat, there’s a perfect-match musical out there for every high school to produce. Choosing the right one means considering its thematic elements, the school’s resources, and the students’ particular interests and capabilities.
Here are 13 top choices that are not only feasible for teens, but also offer unique opportunities for them to shine.
1. “Alice by Heart” (2019; music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater, book by Sater with Jessie Nelson)
“Alice by Heart” reimagines Lewis Carroll’s beloved “Alice in Wonderland” by setting it in the London underground during WWII, following Alice as she escapes into her imagination to cope with the harsh realities around her. This musical is perfect for high schoolers because it deals with relevant themes of resilience and self-discovery. Plus, the flexible staging means you can get creative with your set design, and the varied roles offer plenty of opportunities for students to shine.
2. “Mean Girls” (2017; book by Tina Fey, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, music by Jeff Richmond)
Everyone loves a good high school drama, and “Mean Girls” is no exception. Based on the iconic film by the same name, the musical is packed with humor, catchy tunes, and a story that hits close to home. With a script by comedy legend Tina Fey and tackling themes like friendship, identity, and fitting in, this option has all the ingredients for a hit. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to play a Plastic?
3. “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical” (2016; book by Kyle Jarrow)
Looking to add some color and fun to your school year? “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical” is a blast. It’s got everything from rock and pop to rap, thanks to songs from artists like David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and T.I. The large cast means lots of students can get involved, whether they’re playing the optimistic SpongeBob or the scheming Plankton. The show’s message of teamwork and perseverance is uplifting, and songs like “Bikini Bottom Day” and “Best Day Ever” will have people humming on their way home.
4. “Beauty and the Beast” (1993; Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton)
“Beauty and the Beast” is a Disney classic depicting a “tale as old as time.” With its timeless story and unforgettable songs, it’s a surefire way to captivate an audience. This show offers rich roles for everyone, from Belle and the Beast to the enchanted objects like Lumière and Mrs. Potts. Plus, you can go all out with your costumes and sets or keep it simple—the story will shine either way.
5. “High School Musical on Stage!” (2007; music and lyrics by Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, Ray and Greg Cham, Drew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, and Jamie Houston, book by David Simpatico)
Hear us out: A fantastic alternative to the over-popular “Grease,” “High School Musical on Stage!” gives a more contemporary look at high school life. There’s plenty of room for students to get involved with its large ensemble cast. Plus, its upbeat songs and positive messages about teamwork and following your dreams make it perfect for teens.
6. Into the Woods JR. (2015; music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine)
“Into the Woods JR.” takes Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical and makes it accessible for younger performers. This one-act version combines all the magic and wit of the original, but it’s shorter and simpler, making it perfect for high school productions. Songs like “Giants in the Sky” and “On the Steps of the Palace” are challenging yet manageable, offering students a chance to delve into Sondheim’s intricate music and lyrics. When done right, audiences will be impressed!
7. “Legally Blonde” (2007; music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach)
“Legally Blonde” is all about empowerment and having fun (and Elle Woods is a fantastic role for a starry young actress!). The show’s high-energy numbers, like “Omigod You Guys” and “So Much Better,” are infectious and fun to perform for a big cast. It’s a great way to teach students about self-confidence and perseverance. Plus, the humor and heartwarming storyline make it a crowd favorite—no wonder so many schools love to produce it!
8. “The Little Mermaid” (2007; music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, book by Doug Wright)
This Disney classic is something cast and audience members of all ages will enjoy. With plenty of roles to go around (Ariel, Flounder, the Mersisters, Ursula, Triton, Eric, and more), the show has tons of potential. Worried about costuming? We are under the sea, after all, so don’t fret! Lots can be left up to interpretation. It’s a wonderful way to bring some Disney magic to your stage.
9. “Seussical” (2000; music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Flaherty and Ahrens)
“Seussical” is a delightful mashup of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters and stories. It’s colorful, fun, and perfect for a high school production. Characters like Horton the Elephant and the Cat in the Hat offer diverse roles for students. The music is lively and memorable, with songs like “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!” and “Solla Sollew” encouraging creativity and imagination.
10. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (2004; music and lyrics by William Finn, book by Rachel Sheinkin)
This quirky, hilarious show is ideal for high schools with a smaller cast and minimal set requirements. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” features a group of eccentric middle schoolers (played by high school students) competing in a spelling bee. It’s interactive, fun, and packed with humor and heart. The unique format and character-driven story make it a standout choice.
11. “The Prom” (2018; music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin and Beguelin)
“The Prom” is a more contemporary musical with a powerful message about acceptance and inclusion. It tells the story of Emma, a high school student who wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom, and the Broadway stars who come to her aid. With its lively score, vibrant characters, and metatextual fun, this show provides plenty of opportunities for students to shine. Its celebration of diversity and self-expression is particularly relevant for today’s youth.
12. “Head Over Heels” (2018; original book by Jeff Whitty, adapted book by James Magruder)
Featuring the music of the Go-Go’s, “Head Over Heels” is a lively, upbeat musical that blends a classic story with modern themes. It’s based on Sir Philip Sidney’s “The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia,” but set to a rockin’ 1980s soundtrack. The dynamic ensemble cast and catchy songs like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed” make it a fun choice for high school productions. Progressive themes and a humorous script appeal to modern audiences, making it a refreshing and entertaining addition to any school’s repertoire.
13. “Urinetown” (2001; music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, book by Kotis)
“Urinetown” is a bold, satirical musical that takes a unique, darkly comedic look at social issues. Set in a dystopian future where water is scarce and private toilets are banned, this show combines comedy with a serious message about resource management and corporate greed. With a smaller cast and flexible staging, it’s suitable for high schools, and its unconventional approach to storytelling provides a distinctive and memorable production opportunity.
