<p>My D middle school did Oliver! and Peter Pan. I am a mom-not a director-but, both seemed to be great shows for the little ones-Indians, Orphans--some surprises--but made the show that much more endearing---especially the special needs kids-including one in a wheelchair who played Wendy's daughter. Not a dry eye in the house when she flew!</p>
<p>We only have about $2,000 in the account to put on this show; don't know if that is enough to cover the rights AND scenery/costumes/etc!! I figure the parents would provide the costumes, esp. if they're simple, but I know the rights can get expensive.</p>
<p>Rossji, why not ask for a "suggested" costume contribution of $20 from each kid? Or make it clear from the get go that costumes are the responsibility of the family.</p>
<p>Yes, I think along with the usual permission slip and the responsibilities of participating, I'll have a line stating that costumes are the responsibility of the family....hope they don't get "stickershock"... sorry, couldn't resist! ;)</p>
<p>I recall in 7th and 8th grades my D was in "Voice of the Prairie". It is a straight play which I believe would be categorized as serio-comic. It has been so long, but I remember laughing in the audience since my D played Leon, a NYC scam artist, who sold radios to a small prairie town in the 30s or 40s. The problem was no radio stations. It is different, doesn't require music, and the costuming and staging is simple. The kids also loved the characters.</p>
<p>I second the recommendation for Phantom Tollbooth. You should be able to do the show for your $2000.00 budget. It's as good as the book. We did this show two years ago and can't wait to do it again. Many of the roles can be male or female. The kids really got into the double meanings and finding insight into the humor. Simple sets, fun costumes...can't say enough good about this play.</p>
<p>Wendy</p>
<p>the musical version of Phantom Tollbooth is very fun and it can incorporate many people. I was lucky enough to be part of the premiere professional production of Phantom Tollbooth the Musical at Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston. I enjoyed it a lot and I think that it is a perfect show to do for middle school ages.</p>
<p>Thanks again so much, you guys/ladies! Well, now come to find out I'm NOT going to direct the musical; will be coaching tennis instead. At least I've actually DONE that before! If I decide to direct the play/musical next year, I'll have much better ideas than before, thanks to you!</p>
<p>a great musical would be “roger and hamerstiends cinderella” i did it with 5-8 graders and they were great. i also did “annie” and “peter pan” any of those would work.</p>
<p>Dear Edwina and Krazy Kamp are great musicals that are age aprropriate and a ton of fum. My son was in both during his middle school years. Check them out!!!</p>
<p>My D did “I never Saw Another Butterfly” - it was more serious, but it was really interesting. </p>
<p>They also did “Pink Panther” which was funny.</p>
<p>They did “Murder in the Wings” which was very funny and had lots of roles for girls. Its a comedy about a murder in a publishing company.</p>
<p>Another great one is “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Quirky, but really cool.</p>
<p>My son did Dear Edwina Jr and it was great! They also did Music Man Jr and a show called Flapper. Of course they did Annie JR and Oliver but if you want something funny and different do Dear Edwina Jr or Flapper.</p>