Musical for First Time Director?

I am looking to make my debut as a director in early 2010 for a small amateur theatre organisation in Adelaide. The company produces musicals and I am looking at thoughts on which musical would be suitable for a first time director. I will have heaps of support from very experienced Choreographers and Musical Directors. I would like to do something that is reasonably popular/well known. Having said that, I would also like to do something different. Cast size is not an issue. The theatre is small and has no fly capabilities, so any sets etc would need to be set and manipulated on stage. There is the option to perform on approx 1 m of stage in front of the pro arch. Any ideas?

Hey Gregory, My advice to you would be to check out Maverick Musicals. They have great fun scripts that can be done quite simply - I have put on a few myself without a fly tower. Their website is: http://www.mavmuse.com/ The one problem with Maverick scripts is that they are not hugely known productions. If you are looking for something that's really well known that would be good for a first timer (with lots of support from their club) I think you should have a look at Little Shop of Horrors or Footloose. Both are really well known with great fun music but would be easy enough to stage and I think would offer a great challenge to you while being within the realms of a first time director. Hope that helps :) Darren

I'm going to jump on the other side of the coin and say, why not do something less popular? that way you wont be compared to anything or restricted to stereotypes/preconceived ideas of the characters. Just a thought. Sky xxx

You can have a look at: http://www.musicalsaustralia.com http://www.australianmusicals.com http://www.ozscript.org/ for musicals and info on playwrights who write musicals Puppets in Melbourne Sticky Apple Legs

Hi there, From my experience,the main problem with staging a musical is male voices, and in particular tenors! If it is your first musical then I would go with something like Annie! or Wizard of Oz, where you can utilise children and the vocal parts are not too taxing. These shows also involves a big cast, so everyone can be involved. You already have a bonus in good musical directors, which probably have good muso contacts, so the instrumental score should not be an issue. A couple of other ideas are "Grease" (a perennial favourite), the Sound of Music and if you want to be a little more out there, "The Secret Garden". Good luck

Meant To Be might be the ideal choice for a first-time director. It has a great rock score that lends itself to plenty of chereographed dance routines, it can be performed with large and small casts and has roles for people of all ages. Meant To Be centres on Michelle, who comes to the city with her dad and befriends the lead singer in a rock band. Unfortunately for her, her dad starts going out with new boyfriend's mum. The two kids try to break up their parents' relationship because if it leads to marriage, the kids will become brother and sister, hence dooming their own relationship. Check out the website below. www.meanttobemusicals.com.au Good Luck and just remember: no matter which musical you go with, expect to work very, very hard.