Help unexperienced director pick a musical!

[ARdirector]

I've accepted a job teaching at a small school for next year. THey have always done a musical, and have asked me to do one as well. Well, I've never done this before; can some of you help steer me int he right direction? This might be a long post; bear with me. :)

I am looking for a show to fit the following qualifications:

1)I have NEVER directed a musical, or play, of any kind. I need something that wouldn't overwhelm me as I learn the ropes of directing. This is a small school with no drama club and no drama teacher or choreographer; I'm doing it all. I have limited choreography experience; I directed show choir at my last school and did the choreography (I'm not a dancer, but I'm pretty good at creating choreography as long as it isn't complicated)

2)There are plenty of both girls and boys that audition for their plays, so I don't need something gender specific. I am open to a show with any cast size; director told me 50 students auditioned for the last musical. I would say probably a medium sized cast might be the best bet.

3)If it matters, there is no racial diversity at this school (almost all white) so a cast that would need mroe diversity would be out.

4)The last few musicals they have done have been Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, and Beauty and the Beast. I'm thinking a show that is more on the fun side is what would go over best, but it doesn't have to be a big name musical, just something fun.

5)If possible, I would like to find something with do-able costuming and easy to put together set.

6)It needs to be family-friendly. They did the school edition of Grease which is mostly edited but kept the Summer Nights sequence as is, so I would imagine that anything edgier than that would be out. I don't think cursing would be allowed.

Looking forward to your suggestions!! I am open to all kinds; it doesn't have to be a big-named musical. Just something that kids would really like being a part of and the community would approve of and enjoy seeing.

[Izzybearrr]

Depending on the age of the kids, 13 might be an interesting choice. It would be good for a small school considering the cast isnt't to large. Hope this helped!

[Basingstoke]

Maybe look at Return to the Forbidden Planet. I don't remember it being too risque, and you can make the cast as big as you'd like, adding more and more crew members on the spaceship. Hope this helps
Information

[Visceral_Fella]

How about The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Wizard of Oz, or High School Musical. Maybe Once on this Island.

[Basingstoke]

Two words: Zombie Prom

[MaddieBB12]

The Sound of Music
Guys & Dolls
Bye Bye Birdie

I have personally been a part of both 'Sound of Music' and 'Bye Bye Birdie'. Both are fun, easy, known shows that are just wonderful.

[broadway guy]

Do Bye Bye Birdie...

[jackieoh]

My high school did Anything Goes my senior year... They found a girl who had taken tap lessons to teach Reno and a few of the chorus girls a tap routine for the title number while the rest just did basic choreo behind them. It wasn't extravagant but with the cast size and energy they definitely pulled it off. And there are lots of characters as well as room for a large ensemble! I think it worked.