There’s nothing quite like being in a bustling high school auditorium, charged with anticipation, as the curtain rises on another unforgettable high school musical production. These theatrical showcases not only entertain but also have the power to educate, shedding light on social concepts and life lessons. But when there are so many options, picking the perfect musical for high school can be a big hassle, especially when you have so many considerations, such as subject matter, cast size, singing styles, and more. Luckily, we’ve put together this list of 70 of the best high school musicals so you can focus your energy on crafting the perfect choreography for that showstopping number!
Musicals Set in Schools
1. High School Musical
Source: rachttlg.com
What better musical to perform at your high school than High School Musical? This musical is chock-full of relatable high school stories and drama, and it is one of the classic musicals for high school.
Cast: 11 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, High School Musical
2. Grease
Source: triblive.com
Grease is a musical set in high school about a fling that turns into something more when the summer ends. This musical has many songs that audiences are sure to recognize and love, and the period piece allows for super-fun costumes and sets.
Cast: 17 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Grease
3. Carrie
Source: onstageblog.com
Carrie is a newer musical that is filled with shocking lessons and an intriguing plot that invites students to immerse themselves into the characters. A strong female lead is definitely necessary to achieve your director goals with this intense script.
Cast: 14 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Carrie
4. Heathers (The Teen Edition)
Source: breakingcharacter.com
Although the original storyline contains some elements not suited for a high school stage, there is a teen edition of the script that still contains the same charm that made Heathers so popular in the first place. Hopefully, students will remember this cult classic movie and will appreciate the adapted-for-the-stage version of the iconic story.
Cast: 17 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Heathers
5. Hairspray
Source: onstageblog.com
Hairspray is an iconic high school musical with multiple important messages. Set in the time of segregation, your students will familiarize themselves with this era of American history and appreciate our freedoms in this day and age much more.
Cast: 11 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Hairspray
6. Dear Evan Hansen
Source: theatermania.com
Dear Evan Hansen is a newer musical that took the world by storm. This musical hits incredibly close to home for anyone struggling with social anxiety or the loss of a loved one. Filled with many important points and messages, this is a musical that every high schooler should experience.
Cast: 8 leads
Licensing: Not yet available
7. Bring It On
Source: youarecurrent.com
Bring It On is a fun musical about rival cheerleading teams, and it has hilarious tropes about the classic football player and cheerleader that will be sure to give the audience a laugh or two. The costumes and set are easy to make as well, as all you need to do is hop into the high school gymnasium locker room and borrow a few uniforms.
Cast: 12 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Bring It On
8. 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Source: playbill.com
This musical is hilarious and can be done very light in terms of set, costuming, and blocking. The free-form script style allows for the actors to shine in their own individual way, and there is no one specific lead, which lends itself to a great ensemble musical. The best part? This musical allows for audience participation, which is fun for everyone!
Cast: 9 roles
Licensing: Music Theatre International, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
9. Legally Blonde
Source: beneciaheroldonline.com
Legally Blonde tells the story of a post-grad young woman who has been misunderstood for too many years excelling in a graduate law program. Although funny and lighthearted, this musical still has messages and themes that may inspire your student body more than you think.
Cast: 7 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Legally Blonde
10. School of Rock
Source: wnyc.org
School of Rock is the perfect musical if your theater program has many freshman and sophomores, as they can play the students while a larger senior can play the teacher. This musical is tons of fun for everyone and features some awesome rock ’n’ roll songs.
Cast: 15 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, School of Rock
11. 13
Source: teenvogue.com
13 is a musical about—you guessed it—a bunch of 13-year-olds struggling to figure out the trials and tribulations of being a young teenager. This musical will be hilarious for your high schoolers, as they are fresh out of the “middle school drama” that is humorous to look back on. Plus, 13 is full of catchy and entertaining songs.
Cast: 13 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, 13
12. Matilda
Source: focusdailynews.com
Matilda is an iconic musical about a young girl who has to deal with a rough life, both in terms of a horrific education and a rude family. However, Matilda realizes she possesses powers of telepathy, and she uses these powers hilariously. This musical is highly regarded and would be perfect for a diverse cast of ages and personalities.
Cast: 14 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Matilda
Classic Musicals for High School
13. Annie
Source: liherald.com
Annie is a familiar classic musical that’s perfect for a large cast of females. Directors will need to pick the perfect actor to play Annie, and be sure to have a large ensemble of orphans to perform large musical numbers, which Annie is chock-full of.
Cast: 8 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Annie
14. West Side Story
Source: playbill.com
West Side Story is perfect for a cast of very talented actors, dancers, and singers. The story is familiar, stemming from the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet, but set in a more modern time and dealing with racial tensions in an urban environment. The musical has many iconic songs and opportunities for large dance numbers.
Cast: Male and female leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, West Side Story
15. Cinderella
Source: dailytrib.com
Cinderella is a musical that will have everyone struggling not to sing along. With all of its familiar songs and characters, all a good director needs is the correct cast, set, and costumes. Not only is Cinderella an instant classic, but it contains positive themes as well.
Cast: 9 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Cinderella
16. Footloose
Source: 365barrington.com
Footloose is about a fictional town in which dancing is outlawed, and a ragtag group of high schoolers who decide that they need dancing in their lives. This story is familiar and extremely popular even though it was released decades ago, and the audience will love the fun costumes and sets.
Cast: 15 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Footloose
17. Mary Poppins
Source: vaildaily.com
Mary Poppins is perfect for a cast that includes an incredibly strong older female with acting and singing chops. The musical is feel-good and light and when done correctly can be fun for large audiences. With catchy and fun songs, this musical is one of the instant-classic musicals for high schools.
Cast: 16 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Mary Poppins
18. The Music Man
Source: fssanews.com
The Music Man is tons of fun with the right male lead to give energy to the rest of the cast. With fun, energetic songs the audience will enjoy, this musical is fun to watch.
Cast: 13 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, The Music Man
19. The Little Mermaid
Source: etvnews.com
Head under the sea with The Little Mermaid! If you have a large budget in your theater program, this musical allows for incredible sets and costumes to really make it sparkle and stand out. Turn your stage into an ocean and have tons of fun with these familiar songs and themes.
Cast: 12 speaking roles with strong female leads, medium ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, The Little Mermaid
20. Shrek: The Musical
Source: lisd.net
Shrek is hilarious, with silly and immature jokes that make the story one of the perfect musicals for high school. With fun sets, costumes, and some familiar songs, this story easily translates to the stage for a high school audience. Plus, the actors can do fun accents and get out of their comfort zones in a new way.
Cast: 7 leads with strong male leads, medium ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Shrek: The Musical
21. Beetlejuice
Source: datebook.sfchronicle.com
Beetlejuice is both incredibly entertaining as well as deep at times, making it one of the best musicals for high schools for its complex themes. The musical allows for a large cast and eccentric, intricate props and sets. Beetlejuice is a newer musical, so audiences may have never had the chance to see it, which would make them that much more excited to buy a ticket.
Cast: 11 leads with strong male and female lead, medium ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Beetlejuice
22. The Wizard of Oz
Source: timeshudsonvalley.com
Who doesn’t love a trip down the yellow brick road? This is a classic musical that your students will be extremely excited to put on. The bonus? You probably won’t even need to teach them the musical score, as everyone already knows songs like “Over the Rainbow” front to back.
Cast: 8 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, The Wizard of Oz
23. Into the Woods
Source: thebuzzmagazines.com
Into the Woods is a classic musical that allows for an incredibly large ensemble of talented, whimsical actors. As it consists of many leads and can be put on as an ensemble-based show, this musical is perfect for a star-studded cast. Even those who don’t know the musical will recognize the familiar characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.
Cast: 21 roles, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Into the Woods
24. Matilda
Source: petoskeynews.com
Matilda is one of the perfect musicals for high school if many of the students are younger and can play the cast of students. Let your students go wild in these eccentric roles, and borrow some school uniforms from a janitor’s closet in order to make easy costumes for the cast!
Cast: 14 leads, large student ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Matilda
25. The Addams Family
Source: riverheadlocal.com
The Addams Family is tons of fun, from its dark color palette and characters who refuse to smile to its entertaining and energetic ensemble-led songs. This musical allows for a large cast of leads to shine in their own individual ways.
Cast: 10 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Theatrical Rights Worldwide, The Addams Family
26. Mamma Mia!
Source: BCTV.org
Mamma Mia! is one of the classic musicals for high schools that will have your students hopping up to dance through the entire show. Mamma Mia! features songs from Abba, so even if the audience doesn’t know the themes and tropes of the show, they will most definitely recognize “Dancing Queen” and “Money, Money, Money”!
Cast: Large ensemble, 21+
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Mamma Mia!
27. Beauty and the Beast
Source: berksweekly.com
Just like every other musical about a Disney princess, Beauty and the Beast is an instant classic for a high school musical. A talented male and female lead are both necessary to put on the best musical possible. Plus, the costumes for the servants and the Beast are super fun.
Cast: Large ensemble, 21+
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Beauty and the Beast
28. The Sound of Music
Source: dock.org
The Sound of Music is a musical filled with themes and bits of history that high schoolers today might not already know. This classic is one of the perfect musicals for high school, with the opportunity to use simple sets and recycle uniforms for the Von Trapp children’s outfits.
Cast: 18 roles, small ensemble
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, The Sound of Music
29. A Chorus Line
Source: playbill.com
A Chorus Line is a musical about auditioning for a musical—very meta. This musical is perfect for a cast of extremely talented dancers, as there are multiple large-scale dance numbers that require a strong technique. Additionally, many of the songs are solos for each different character, so a strong overall cast would make this musical perfect for a large audience.
Cast: 19 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, A Chorus Line
30. A Christmas Carol
Source: mdtheatreguide.com
A Christmas Carol is a perfect musical for high school that allows for an extremely large cast of diverse actors, singers, and dancers. This musical would be great around the holiday season and winter months, as it deals with themes surrounding Christmas.
Cast: 39 male or female
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, A Christmas Carol
31. Big River
Source: markrobinsonwrites.com
Big River is a Mark Twain classic tale about Huckleberry Finn. Along his journeys, Finn gets to meet and interact with many lovable characters, which allows for a diverse cast of actors.
Cast: 12 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Big River
32. Bye Bye Birdie
Source: theprowlernews.com
Bye Bye Birdie deals with more-adult themes like being drafted into the army and leaving loved ones behind, which may not resonate perfectly with a high school audience but can instead educate the audience about what society and day-to-day life was like for young people just decades ago. Additionally, the musical has tons of popular and iconic songs that the audience will love.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Bye Bye Birdie
33. Dreamgirls
Source: shawlocal.com
Dreamgirls is about a trio of black female soul singers who have the opportunity to cross over to the pop charts while dealing with their personal struggles and the struggles of a society around them. This musical is extremely educating and has intense themes and tropes that are perfect for an audience of high schoolers who may be unaware of the evolution of American R&B music in the 1960s.
Cast: 8 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals Dreamgirls
34. White Christmas
Source: sequimgazette.com
White Christmas is another musical that would work perfectly around the holiday season. The musical has tons of fun and lively dance numbers for a large cast, and it has lovable themes and an easygoing plot for the audience.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, White Christmas
35. Seussical
Source: mmuds.org.au
Seussical is a familiar classic that will be tons of fun for the audience as well as the cast members. Seussical offers many opportunities for whimsical, unique costume and set choices, and the lovable characters will draw audiences in for a fun time.
Cast: 11 to 20 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Seussical
36. Thoroughly Modern Millie
Source: vcstar.com
Thoroughly Modern Millie follows the story of a flapper named Millie in the 1920s attempting to find a job … and a husband. This musical is filled with themes of ambition and testing one’s personal boundaries, and audiences will enjoy the old-timey costuming.
Cast: 9 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Thoroughly Modern Millie
37. Guys and Dolls
Source: mtishows.com
Guys and Dolls features overlapping stories of romances and discusses the theme that sometimes even those who strive to do good will miss the mark inevitably. This musical has a satisfying ending and will be tons of fun for an older cast of actors.
Cast: 12 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Guys and Dolls
38. Fiddler on the Roof
Source: wcss.org
Fiddler on the Roof tells a heartwarming story of a family who is forced to leave their home, taking their Jewish morals and heritage with them in trying times. This musical has several iconic songs that will get the audience dancing, as well as hard-hitting themes and morals.
Cast: 14 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Fiddler on the Roof
39. Oklahoma!
Source: superiortelegram.com
Oklahoma! is an instant classic musical about a farm girl in the 1900s and her courtship with two different boys. This musical is happy-go-lucky and feel-good, and it’s set in an era that is unfamiliar to high school kids today, making it one of the perfect musicals for high school.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Oklahoma!
40. Ruthless!
Source: theguardian.com
This all-female musical is hilarious and would be so much fun to put on with a cast of high schoolers. The story follows a young sociopathic girl who is hell-bent on being the lead of her school musical. She goes to great lengths to get the part, which may or may not include murder. This musical would be perfect for a strong cast of females who want to play around with interesting, dynamic characters.
Cast: 7 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Ruthless!
41. The King and I
Source: wsj.com
The King and I is perfect for a cast of strong dancers, as there are many ceremonial dances and songs throughout the musical. The plot follows a British schoolteacher who is hired as part of a king’s plan to modernize his country, and the relationships that grow from this position. A strong male and female lead are required to make the performance great.
Cast: 13 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, The King and I
42. Sweeney Todd
Source: myburbank.com
Sweeney Todd is the iconic story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and the hilarity that ensues when he opens a new barber practice. The story has many engaging songs and musical numbers, and allows for very strong comedic characters to shine through.
Cast: 9 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Sweeney Todd
43. Freaky Friday
Source: nwi.life
Freaky Friday has been adapted from the screen into this fun, energetic musical perfect for a cast of talented high school students. Your students will definitely recognize the title, which will bring them in and sell tickets, but they won’t know what they have in store with this adaptation!
Cast: 7 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Freaky Friday
44. Saturday Night Fever
Source: nytimes.com
Who doesn’t love good disco?! This musical is perfect for a cast who loves to dance and wants to loosen up on the stage. Saturday Night Fever is a musical involving a young romance and tons of dance numbers. You can transform your set into a dance floor—disco ball and all—for an unforgettable musical.
Cast: 13 leads
Licensing: Broadway Licensing, Saturday Night Fever
45. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Source: NCHS Theatre
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a great musical for an ensemble cast of talented, multi-aged performers. With each character having a solo or two, the musical keeps audiences on their toes and is very catchy. Plus, the costumes allow your students to quickly turn into the lovable Charlie Brown and friends.
Cast: 6 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
46. Peter Pan
Source: inmaricopa.com
Peter Pan is a classic choice for high school audiences due to its timeless appeal and storytelling. The show’s vibrant music, energetic choreography, and whimsical characters create a magical experience that many find familiar. Its themes of adventure, friendship, and the importance of staying young at heart make it relatable and inspiring for young viewers, encouraging them to embrace their imagination and never stop dreaming.
Cast: 9 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Peter Pan
47. Big Fish
Source: theatricalrights.com
Big Fish explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams. The show’s heartwarming and fantastical elements, coupled with its relatable coming-of-age themes, resonate with young viewers navigating their own paths of self-discovery. This musical offers a meaningful theatrical experience for high school students and adults alike.
Cast: 12 leads
Licensing: Theatrical Rights, Big Fish
48. Singin’ in the Rain
Source: sunews.net
Singin’ in the Rain is at its best about the celebration of the golden age of Hollywood and the power of pursuing one’s passion. It’s not only inspiring but also allows a well-directed cast to showcase the talent and creativity of their craft, making it an ideal choice for a high school production.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Singin’ in the Rain
49. Les Miserables
Source: Youtube.com
Les Miserables is definitely one of the darker musicals on this list, due to its overarching themes surrounding war and death. However, there are many moving and touching moments in the musical that are sure to have a profound effect on a high school audience, and some of the songs will be very familiar. Plus, the musical allows for a large ensemble of talent.
Cast: 12 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Les Miserables
50. The Lion King
Source: honesdalepac.com
The Lion King allows for a large, involved cast to really shine on a big stage. With thoughtful costumes, this musical has lots of room to showcase incredible high school talent, while simultaneously sharing messages of identity, family, and the circle of life through the lens of the King of the Jungle.
Cast: 17 leads, large ensemble
Licensing: Music Theatre International, The Lion King
51. Little Shop of Horrors
Source: avpa.org
Little Shop of Horrors is a perfect comedic musical for a cast of high schoolers to perform, full of witty jokes and humorous songs. The musical follows a young boy as he realizes that his piranha plant is actually a carnivore that requires human flesh to continue growing. At a glance, the story may seem outrageous and confusing, but audiences will have a great time from opening to closing number.
Cast: 8 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Little Shop of Horrors
52. My Fair Lady
Source: toledoblade.com
My Fair Lady offers a blend of romance, humor, and timeless music. The show’s exploration of class, identity, and the transformative power of education provides material for high school actors to delve into and portray on stage. With its memorable songs, witty dialogue, and captivating characters, My Fair Lady offers an entertaining and thought-provoking experience for high schoolers.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, My Fair Lady
53. Oliver!
Source: hutchnews.com
Oliver! is a great musical for high schoolers thanks to its messages about hope, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. There is also ample room for fun numbers and a large cast of ragtag costumed ensemble members. The musical follows an orphan boy who escapes to London and gets mixed up in a gang of juvenile pickpockets, where drama ensues.
Cast: 17 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Oliver
Unique Musicals for High Schools
54. Be More Chill
Source: broadwaybox.com
Be More Chill is a contemporary musical known for its heavy-hitting, relatable themes. At its core, Be More Chill tackles themes of social anxiety, peer pressure, and a desire to fit into society. As compared to other musicals in this list, this one is a more relevant theater experience that will definitely resonate with every high schooler.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Be More Chill
55. Fun Home
Source: nytimes.com
Fun Home is about a young family who owns a business at the local funeral home. One of the children, a young girl named Bechdel, realizes and confronts the idea of her sexuality while navigating a relationship with her closeted father. This musical is very eye-opening and emotional at times, while also being funny and witty. Overall, Fun Home is a great musical for high school.
Cast: 6 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Fun Home
56. The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Source: sbhstheatre.com
The Mystery of Edwin Drood is tons of fun to put on at your high school, as the musical is interactive in its nature. The musical uses a “choose your own ending” format, so students can actively participate in the story as it progresses. Additionally, the character list allows for talented high school actors to play a diverse set of roles.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, The Mystery of Edwin Drood
57. The Boy Friend
Source: allmusicals.com
The Boy Friend is a great musical for high school audiences as it captures the charm and innocence of a classic 1920s romantic comedy. With its catchy tunes, energetic dance numbers, and interesting characters, the show allows the cast to showcase their singing, dancing, and comedic talents. The Boy Friend introduces a nostalgic and joyful journey into a little-known era to the 21st century.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, The Boy Friend
58. Once Upon a Mattress
Source: unionleader.com
Once Upon a Mattress combines a hilarious, whimsical, and familiar tale with catchy songs and large ensemble dance numbers. The musical is perfect for a lighthearted, well-produced musical that your students and the audience will surely remember.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Once Upon a Mattress
59. Catch Me If You Can
Source: chattanoogapulse.com
Based on a true story, Catch Me If You Can explores themes of identity, deception, and redemption, offering an engaging narrative that captivates high school audiences. With its upbeat music, fast-paced storytelling, and opportunities for ensemble cast involvement, Catch Me If You Can is one of the great musicals for high schools to perform.
Cast: 7 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Catch Me If You Can
60. Anastasia
Source: broadwaymedia.com
Anastasia is a newer musical about a princess who runs away in order to further discover herself and her values. The musical offers opportunities for gorgeous sets and costumes, and has many beautiful songs that set it apart from other musicals. In addition, Anastasia has multiple twists and turns that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Anastasia
61. Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition
Source: augustana.edu
Zombie Prom is a hilarious and thrilling musical that is unlike anything else audiences are used to. The musical contains fun rock ’n’ roll music and a comedic storyline that features zombies. … What more would high schoolers be looking for in a musical?
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition
62. Go, Dog, Go!
Source: YouTube.com
Go, Dog, Go! is a good choice for a high school musical if the program has a low budget or is more strapped for time. While the songs are still catchy and tons of fun, this storyline is simpler than other musicals and definitely easy to follow while remaining entertaining throughout.
Cast: 6 leads
Licensing: Plays for New Audiences, Go, Dog, Go!
63. Meet Me in St. Louis
Source: escondidograpevine.com
Meet Me In St. Louis is about a family who has to face the decision of leaving their beloved hometown just in time to miss the World’s Fair. This musical is beloved by many, with iconic songs such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Audiences will laugh and cry!
Cast: 12 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Meet Me in St. Louis
64. Jekyll and Hyde
Source: dailyherald.com
Jekyll and Hyde is an engaging, energetic musical about a man who has a second identity that just so happens to be a sociopathic murderer. Dr. Jekyll must attempt to silence Mr. Hyde and remain a functioning member of society, but things get complicated when a female love interest becomes involved. This musical is incredibly entertaining, and high schoolers will love its suspense.
Cast: 8 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Jekyll and Hyde
65. Fame
Source: kxtickets.com
Fame is known for its catchy pop numbers and follows a class of high school graduates through their college graduation. This story contains the ups and downs of post–high school, including the triumphs and the fears. This musical is great for a cast of high school seniors to test their acting abilities.
Source: Cast: 14 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Fame
66. Urinetown
Source: yelmonline.com
Urinetown is a satirical musical that will have audiences laughing for much of the performance. However, it also has powerful messages and social commentary that discuss themes of power, corruption, and activism. This is one of the great musicals for high school to promote standing up for what you believe in.
Cast: 14 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Urinetown
67. The Pirates of Penzance
Source: today.bju.edu
This musical is perfect to put on if you are under a strict budget, as it lies under public domain so no licensing purchase is needed! The Pirates of Penzance is entertaining and allows for super-fun costuming and sets, as it takes place on the high seas.
Cast: 11 leads
Licensing: Public domain
68. The Fantasticks
Source: ocregister.com
The Fantasticks is a timeless, charming musical that contains a simple and simultaneously profound story with themes of love and the journey of life. Additionally, the musical score allows for strong leads to showcase their skills on the stage.
Cast: 8 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, The Fantastics
69. Lucky Stiff
Source: patch.com
Lucky Stiff is a fast-paced, comedic musical that will take high school audiences on a wild ride. The musical contains tons of zany characters, witty dialogue, and fantastic catchy songs. The theatergoing experience will definitely be memorable.
Cast: 7 leads
Licensing: Music Theatre International, Lucky Stiff
70. Something’s Afoot
Source: washingtonpost.com
Something’s Afoot is a thrilling murder mystery experience and comedic musical all in one. High school audiences will love the characters and will be engaged while following along with the actors to solve the mystery.
Cast: 10 leads
Licensing: Concord Theatricals, Something’s Afoot
If you liked this list of musicals for high schools, be sure to check out our roundup of Showstopping High School Plays for Your School.
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