Cheap Musicals to Put On: A Detailed Guide for Budget-Conscious Theatregoers
Are you looking to stage a musical but worried about the budget? Don’t let financial constraints hold you back! There are plenty of affordable musicals that you can produce without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed overview of some of the cheapest musicals to put on, covering various genres and styles to cater to different tastes and audiences.
1. “The Fantasticks” by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
“The Fantasticks” is a timeless classic that has been enchanting audiences for over 50 years. This charming musical is known for its simple set, small cast, and minimal props, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious producers. The story revolves around two young lovers who are separated by their feuding fathers, only to be brought back together by the mysterious Narrator. With a runtime of just over an hour and a half, “The Fantasticks” is a perfect fit for schools, community theaters, and small venues.
2. “Godspell” by Stephen Schwartz
“Godspell” is a contemporary musical that combines the teachings of Jesus with a rock and roll soundtrack. This musical is known for its energetic performances, catchy tunes, and simple set design. The story follows a group of young people who learn about the teachings of Jesus through song and dance. With a cast of 12 and a runtime of approximately 90 minutes, “Godspell” is an excellent choice for churches, schools, and community theaters.
3. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” by William Finn
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a hilarious and heartwarming musical that revolves around a group of quirky contestants who compete in a spelling bee. This musical is known for its clever lyrics, catchy tunes, and ensemble performances. With a cast of 10 and a runtime of about 90 minutes, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is an excellent choice for schools, community theaters, and theaters with a sense of humor.
4. “A Chorus Line” by James Taylor and Mark Bell
“A Chorus Line” is a poignant and inspiring musical that tells the stories of dancers vying for a spot in a chorus line. This musical is known for its emotional performances, powerful lyrics, and simple set design. With a cast of 17 and a runtime of approximately 2 hours, “A Chorus Line” is an excellent choice for theaters with a focus on storytelling and character development.
5. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a family-friendly musical that tells the story of Joseph, a young man who is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. This musical is known for its catchy tunes, vibrant costumes, and simple set design. With a cast of 12 and a runtime of about 2 hours, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is an excellent choice for schools, churches, and theaters with a young audience.
6. “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson
“The Music Man” is a classic American musical that tells the story of Harold Hill, a con man who poses as a band leader to sell band instruments to a small town. This musical is known for its catchy tunes, memorable characters, and simple set design. With a cast of 15 and a runtime of approximately 2 hours, “The Music Man” is an excellent choice for theaters with a focus on comedy and nostalgia.
7. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is a musical that follows the adventures of a young woman who moves to New York City in the 1920s. This musical is known for its energetic performances, catchy tunes, and vibrant costumes. With a cast of 15 and a runtime of about 2 hours, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is an excellent choice for theaters with a focus on dance and comedy.
8. “Hairspray” by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
“Hairspray” is a musical that tells the story of a plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on a local TV show. This musical is known for its catchy tunes, powerful performances, and social commentary. With a cast of 20 and a runtime of approximately 2 hours, “Hairspray” is an excellent choice for theaters with a focus on diversity and social issues
