Musicals

72 pages

Widely flexible cast 10 – 40, plus drama teacher

A group of high school actors, abandoned by their drama teacher for good reason, have to fend for themselves opening night in front of a live audience. Their first song, “We Apologize in Advance,” shows just how unprepared they are! The student assistant director and the stage manager find a box of scripts which they pass out to the cast, and try to throw something together. What follows is a rollicking show full of physical comedy, gags, and satirical re-writings from Shakespeare (“Life Is Like a Snow Globe”) to Louisa May Alcott (“Dress Them Up in Drag”). E...

42 pages

6 m, 5 w, extras, doubling possible

Papa Praiseworthy has mortgaged the family farm to have money to pay for the long-needed operation to cure Mama and create a trousseau for sweet Polly’s marriage to our hero, Jedediah Justice, of Justice Junction. Little does the family know when they stop to help an ill traveler on the road, the man is the evil brother of the villain, Delvin Dastardly. The Dastardly brothers frame Papa and get him thrown onto a chain gang. Now Polly will have to bring in the harvest with only the aid of her brother Penrose and sister Penny. Too proud to do less, Polly woeful...

69 pages

4 m, 6 w

Even though lovely young Julia works hard, she and her aunt will not be able to afford to keep their humble home, which sits at the edge of a garbage dump. If they lose their home, they’ll also lose the treasure Julia’s papa buried somewhere on the property that would take care of all their needs. (Hero Dan would ask his parents for money to help Julia, but alas, he too is an orphan.) As they try yet again to figure out the special riddle to the treasure’s location, a German Mennonite detective appears on the case and is soon followed by two old ladies with l...

49 pages

Large, flexible cast (minimum 5 m, 5 w)

Extra! Extra! Sing all about it in this witty, fast-paced musical revue that examines every human foible, failure, fact, fiction, and fascination that's fit to print. The setting is a busy newsstand/coffee shop run by Joe, the old, wizened proprieter. He is assisted by a Kid who is young and idealistic about life. As the two of them purvey papers to their many customers, every section of the paper -- the want ads, horoscopes, obits, advice columns, weather, and crossword puzzles, are spoofed, spotlighted and celebrated in song. Your theatre will really make h...

74 pages

Flexible cast of 20 (minimum with doubling, 5 m, 5 w)

Remember your first day of school, your first date, your first zit? Doesn't it make you want to...sing out loud! By popular demand, Rob Frankel's play "First in Line" is now a rousing musical revue! This collection of songs and scenes ranges from the hilarious to the heartwarming to the downright humilating. From the upbeat opening number, "Break New Ground," to the poignantly tender song, "How Do I Go On?" the score is varied and tuneful. Other numbers include "Friendly Skies," which has the agonizing beat of a first airplane trip; "Having a Crush," which ex...

41 pages

4 m, 4 w, 1 boy, 1 girl + villagers 1 exterior

The people in the Apple Kingdom live on apples: apple soup, apple salad and, of course, apple pies. Jonathan and Blossom are two fun-loving but not so innocent twins and on their birthday they play a trick on the townspeople that backfires. They say that an "Applephoon" is coming that will destroy all of the apples in the kingdom's orchards. The villagers, all being selfish, immediately run to the orchards and begin picking all the apples and carrying them home by the buckets full. After all the apples are picked, the villagers find that they are stricken wit...

36 pages

Large, flexible cast (approx. 17 boys and 19 girls)

If you want to know what really goes on in middle school, join these students as they perform insightful songs highlighting their monologues and scenes. "Doing the Tag" introduces friendships and rivalries, "Hanging in the Hallway" finds a girl longing for the boy of her dreams to notice her, and "I'm Hot/I'm Not" shows us all about popularity. "America" tells the troubles facing a foreign-born student, while "Cambiata" deals with the challenge of the unchanged male voice in chorus class. "Hormonal Blues" finds a boy in the throes of first love with a girl he...

34 pages

4 m, 3 w, 4 flexible, extras

Santa’s elves, Flip and Twip, are sent to help Mrs. Santa with her last-minute preparations for Christmas Eve. The two elves spin mischief, but real trouble arrives in the form of King Sarak and his spoiled son, Prince Horace. By royal decree, Horace’s Christmas stocking must include all the toys in the land! When Santa refuses, offering instead to visit Prince Horace in the usual manner, the King has the toys seized, thus jeopardizing the merriment of Christmas. With Mrs. Santa’s guidance, plus cooperation between Flip and Twip, as well as lots of audience i...

32 pages

Flexible roles for 30 or more

Here’s the story of Howard Carter's famous discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Carter and others with him are astounded by the treasures buried for over 3,000 years. Before long the visitors discover the story of this little-known king through the writing on the walls of the tomb. These hieroglyphs come to life, teaching us all about Ancient Egypt including King Tutankhamun, Queen Hatshepsut, Egyptian society, the gods and pyramids. This musical was written specifically for young voices, ideally, Grades 5 through 9. Grades 3 and 4 could participate ...

52 pages

11 speaking parts, chorus

Here's an hour-long, tail-wagging musical about everybody's best friend! Ralph, a lonely kind of guy, and Angel, a special young woman from "up North," care for homeless dogs at the city animal shelter. Each dog has a special story to tell in song. Only Max, with leather jacket, greased back ears, and sunglasses, is too cool of a cat - er - dog to admit he wants a home. But at the shelter, time is limited and only a miracle can save the furry characters. Simple to stage with terrific music.

56 pages

7 m, 7 w + ensemble. (Some doubling possible)

This much loved tale is mostly known as a ballet. However, it began as a classic story of literature by a German author, E.T.A. Hoffmann. The story involves an eccentric inventor whose nephew has been turned into a nutcracker doll by a curse. In order to break the enchantment, the Nutcracker must destroy the Mouse King and find the love of a maiden even in his wooden state. Clara, the inventor's godchild, receives the Nutcracker as a Christmas gift and falls instantly in love with the wooden doll. In a fantasy world, where all the toys come to life, Clara hel...

45 pages

11 principal roles, numerous supporting. Doubling possible.

Magic, morals and music highlight Pinocchio's many adventures in this hour-long show. When Geppetto carves a wooden puppet which magically springs to life, the old toy maker is thrilled by the prospect of having a real son. But the innocent Pinocchio needs to learn so many thing, and he learns them all the hard way! First he meets Sly Fox, who steals his coins then the greedy carnival master Calzoni, who tries to keep him a prisoner. He escapes only to encounter the thieving Rachel Weasely, followed by the evil witch Consuella on Party Island where playful ch...

44 pages

3 m, 7 w, 3 flex, extras

Enter the enchanted forest where Little Red Riding Hood is gathering flowers before going to Grandmother's. Jack-o, a scared crow, tries to get the kids in the audience to warn Red that a wolf is stalking her, but Red's not afraid. Any wolf who calls her Noodle Rat Rotten Hat because of a speech problem - why, he's nothing but a big, sweet doggie! Soon Little Red meets others, including a demanding Goldilocks, brave Hansel and Gretel, and bevy of bears on holiday. But they've all gotten lost and a mean witch is threatening them. Can they outsmart the witch an...

60 pages

Large, flexible cast

Humans are a species constantly on the move from here to there to - who knows where! This revue explores the world of transportation and asks the timeless question, "Are we there yet?" Travel way back in time to when walking was the only way to get somewhere. Then came the discovery of the wheel, and things really started rollin'! Soon mankind conquered the sea, the sky, the plains, outer space, and the newest frontier, cyberspace! With a flexible cast and minimal sets, nothing can stop you from presenting this tuneful travelogue as topnotch entertainment. Th...

72 pages

12 flexible roles

Based on the short story by Kenneth Grahame. What happens when a gentle, Shakespeare-loving dragon meets a town badly in need of some diversion? St. George, a semi-retired dragon slayer, has been summoned to rid the town of a terrible threat. Of course neither the villagers, who will do anything for a work holiday, or the wanna-be mayor with his faux French accent, have actually seen the fearsome beast! Only Jack, a sensible, bookish young man, has met and befriended the timid, peace-loving dragon. Join the villagers as they sing “There’s a Dragon Loose!” Jac...

51 pages

flexible cast (minimum 11 with doubling)

The adventures of the resourceful Rat, trusty Mole, gruff Badger, and the ever frivolous Toad are intermingled with the actual story of how "The Wind in the Willows" came to be written in this beautiful full-length musical. To entertain his son, Kenneth Grahame wrote stories about the rich Mr. Toad, who steals a car and ends up in jail. The story's villains, the Weasels and Foxes, take over Toad's estate in his absence. Badger, Rat, and Mole come to the rescue, conquer the Weasels, and save Toad Hall from ruin. Interspersed with the animals' adventures we see...

61 pages

Widely flexible cast (minimum 7 m, 5 w, chorus)

From the day we're hatched to the day we spread our wings and fly on our own, there are a series of requisite, riotous rites of passage that must be experienced. This collection of humorous scenes and hummable songs explores the innocent squawk of infancy, the terrible twos, the treacherous teens, and everything in between. There are tactics for dealing with those who endeavor to shape, stretch and warp our minds and bodies, like gym teachers, substitute teachers and those cafeteria culinary queens, "The Little Lunch Ladies." From the angst of acne, adolescen...

72 pages

Large, flexible cast (21 m, 16 w, extras. Doubling possible.)

In this fun retelling of the Robin Hood story the greedy Prince John is joined by his evil sister, Lady Kate. They plan to catch Robin Hood, defender of the poor, by forcing Maid Marian to marry the Prince. Not only will John and Kate gain Marian’s riches, but trap Robin Hood when he tries to rescue her. Marian and her friend Lady Beatrice disguise themselves in men's clothing to find Robin to warn him of the scheme. But when Robin and his friend Will Scarlet encounter these two “men,” a swordfight ensues! Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s men, Gilbert and Goose, are ...

40 pages

Approx. 6 m, 5 w, 6 flexible, extras. Much doubling possible

Calvin is a slight youngster who can’t compete with the more athletically-inclined kids in the neighborhood. A wise magician lends him an old “Magic Machine.” Through its erratic powers Calvin, his best friend Jenny, and a lost dragon drop into odd versions of three fairy tales. In "The Three Little Bears" Calvin stops the bears from eating them for dinner and teaches the bears how to be happy. In "Rumpelstiltskin" Calvin helps the miller’s daughter by shouting out the evil little man’s name, and in the third story, "Alice in Wonderland," Calvin stops the cou...

61 pages

Widely flexible cast (14 or more)

Rudyard Kipling's dramatic and entertaining stories about how the Camel got his hump, how the Elephant got his nose, how the Whale got his spout, and other richly woven tales come to life in this engaging musical. Mr. and Mrs. Kipling and their two bubbly yet unpretentious daughters serve as narrators. The story weaves from animal tales to the final human one, how Man--or in this case an enterprising young girl!--wrote the first letter. Especially engaging is the two-person whale which is a great theatrical device. The show opens with the song, "When the Worl...

67 pages

12 to 24+ actors: 14 m, 9 w, doubling possible

Inspired by actual events, legendary songwriter Irving Berlin shares his life story with two teens. It's a rags-to-riches tale--terrific for schools, colleges, community theaters, and more--about a poor immigrant kid rising to become the most successful songwriter in the world. Along the way, we get to hear such timeless Berlin songs as "I Love a Piano," "All by Myself," "Play a Simple Melody," "Ragtime Violin," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band." The songs are pure Americana--great for singing and dancing.  

31 pages

Flexible cast of 12, extras

A mini-musical (45 minutes) version of the fairy tale about the tailor who, when he can't pay his taxes, promotes his daughter as being able to weave straw into gold. Luckily, a funny little man named Rumpelstiltskin gets her out of that fix and into another when she must guess his funny, not-so-little name. Perfect for children but sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by adults. The various scenes may be played before a series of simple flats connected to form a giant story book.

52 pages

3 m, 8 w, 6 children, carolers and skaters

Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic novel. Four of literature’s most famous sisters, nurturing Meg, rebellious Jo, sweet Beth and spoiled Amy, must endure the absence of their father while he is away ministering in the Civil War. Under their mother Marmee’s wise and tender care, the girls learn many lessons – including the real meaning of Christmas – as they experience both the painful and the beautiful that life offers. Full of memorable and varied music with richly drawn characters, “Little Women – A Merry Christmas” is a family-friendly timele...

43 pages

Flexible cast size of 13-20+

When the famous pirate Dave the Brave and his faithful first mate Marisa the Cowardly discover a map leading to the Treasure of Prophecy, they know they must follow it! They need to find the treasure before Dave’s archnemesis, Lady Legs, for whoever holds the map controls destiny! Dave and Marisa hire the Pirateers, a group of five misfits (and one puppet!), to help them, but the trip won’t be smooth sailing. Along the way, they’ll have to deal with rapping crocodiles, singing sirens, and mischievous seagulls who are all determined to stop the ship for their ...

68 pages

1 to 4 m, 12 w

In the late 1800s rumors were circulating about alleged horror taking place on Blackwell’s Island, home of the New York City Lunatic Asylum. Women were apparently the victims of abuse and torture, and one woman, a newspaper reporter, decided to risk her own life to investigate. Nellie Bly committed herself to the asylum, documenting her findings and ultimately revealing the horrors to the entire world. This musical is adapted from Robby Steltz’s award-winning one-act play “Nellie” as well as Nellie’s own book “Ten Days in a Madhouse.” Featuring music by Steph...

70 pages

Minimum cast of 13 with doubling: 6 m, 6 w, 1 flex

Dusty Junction is in big trouble! The roaming outlaw Ugly Monroe is terrorizing the citizens. First he shoots stable owner Joe and steals his boots; next he shoots the sheriff and steals his badge; and then he shoots the doc and steals his stethoscope. As the loyal community struggles to hold itself together, timid Deputy Shawn needs to step up and prove he is not Deputy Nancy-boy! He is bolstered by Marlene, the kindly saloon owner; Mindy Sue, his fiery sweetheart; and even Bobby Joe, the cute little boy…er, girl…well, child. The final straw breaks when Ugly...

43 pages

7 w, 7 flexible, ensemble of 8 or more

A group of students enrolled in a technology-free wilderness camp find themselves lost in the middle of the woods. As darkness falls, a mysterious counselor that wasn’t introduced at orientation finds the students and sets up camp with them (“Backwoods Ranger”). Around the campfire, the students and counselor share ghost stories and tales of the mysterious creatures of the forest (“Sasquatch’s Lament” and “Chupacabra”). But not all creatures are big and scary. Gnomes also appear and sing that they are guardians of the woods. Will they ever get out of the wood...

53 pages

11 m, 10 w, 3 boys, and 12 flexible (With doubling, 4 m, 3 w, 1 boy, 6 flexible)

Ebenezer Scrooge is a cold-hearted miser, choosing to spend Christmas Eve alone instead of with his cheerful nephew, Fred. That night, he is visited by his old colleague, Jacob Marley, who explains that three ghosts will come. After seeing his Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge awakens with renewed faith. In his redemption, he embraces family and friends and gives generously, forever changed. Following the story of Charles Dickens’s "A Christmas Carol," this unique version incorporates singing narrators, traditional carols, and continuous action on ...

49 pages

Flexible cast from 12 to 60

This musical is a hip-hop, happenin' history lesson. From dinosaur extinction to Columbus, from the wheel to space exploration, they're all rediscovered in this clever, chaotic, comical cataclysm of creativity. From the rockin' "Big Bang" opening number and careening toward a stirring big finale anthem, "Circle of Friends," this upbeat, tuneful score also includes numbers like "It Stinks to Be Extinct," "Me and My Wheel," "You Better Avoid the Asteroids," and "Cave, Sweet Cave." Flexible casting for either a small ensemble playing a variety of roles, or a lar...

76 pages

15-24+ actors, extras

Eighteen-year-old Katie has a problem: she's a tooth fairy who wants to be a DJ. While out exploring the human world, Katie meets Max, a young man who loves everything about flight. Their growing friendship is short-lived, however, after a centennial celebration of all fairies and troublesome trolls. As a reward for keeping a promise, the trolls demand that Katie become their drudge, or servant, until the next centennial, one hundred years away. Max and several other fairies try to rescue Katie and discover a key piece of information that changes everything. ...