Middle School Musicals

High School Musical: Middle School Style

Unless you've either had your head under a rock, or you don't actually own a television, then you're probably aware of the insane popularity of Disney's High School Musical, installments one and two. Whether or not you actually liked either movie, they have both contributed to making musicals cool with the school age set.

Typically, musical theatre has been reserved for high school and up because teachers and directors believed a full-blown production was beyond what middle school kids were capable of handling. While this may be partially true, many of the most popular musical productions from today and yesterday are being rearranged to meet the skill level and attention span of middle school performers and audiences.

The shows may be edited down in length, and the accompaniments may be simplified from the original scores, but these productions still pack a lot of pizazz. Let's take a look at what's available.

Searching for Middle School Musicals

Broadway Jr.

Broadway Jr. is a division of Music Theatre International® (MTI). MTI has long been one of largest sources of production permission and scripts for some of the best-loved musicals. Now they offer arrangements for middle school musicals your club will have a great time presenting.

How about:

• Into the Woods: This beloved Sondheim rendering of a fairy tale is actually quite long in the Broadway version, but the revised version is just right for middle school theatre enthusiasts. The score still contains the shows most popular musical number, Children Will Listen.
• Fiddler on the Roof: This well loved musical about three young women coming of age in the Ukraine is probably one of the best known musicals of the century. The large cast and company make this production a natural for large drama clubs. Everyone gets a chance to participate in some way.
• Annie: This musical about a lovable orphan and her dog Sandy was a record breaker on Broadway, debuting to great acclaim and spawning two movie versions. Popular tunes include Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life.
• Guys and Dolls: Will Sky Masterson ever give up his gambling ways and win the heart of the girl of his dreams? Will Adelaide ever get her fiancé to the altar? This musical comedy has been entertaining the public for decades.
• Disney's Alice in Wonderland: If you loved Disney's animated version of the classic novel, then you'll love this musical packed with mayhem and magic. The large cast and crew ensures full club participation.

Each production comes in kit form, with sing-along CD's that make learning the songs easier for everyone. Kits also contain full accompaniment CD's in case a live orchestra isn't available, plus scripts and production tips.

You can check out MTI's complete list of middle school musicals right here.

American Music Company

The American Music Company may not have access to the big Broadway musicals, but they have some goodies in their collection.

Try:

• Once Upon a Dream: This is a retelling of the Cinderella story with opportunities for singing and dancing. This show kit comes with an accompaniment CD as well as a PDF you can use to create show posters and programs.
• S'Cool, A Teenage Pop/Rock Musical: This show explores a variety of teenage themes, including the search for acceptance and finding your own identity. There are plenty of song and dance numbers, with choreography provided. The show requires very little in the way of sets, and costumes are simply contemporary teenage clothing, so this musical is relatively inexpensive to produce.

Conclusion

That should be enough info to begin your search for the perfect middle school musical. Keep in mind that you want to look for productions that will include participation from as many students as possible, both girls and boys. You also need to make sure that your budget is large enough to cover expected production costs, as well as the price of a production kit.

Now, get out there and break a leg. That's show biz lingo for "Good Luck!"