The theatre arts and musicals have brought joy to many throughout the years!
We’re going through the decades and listing the top 6 most popular high school musicals that ruled the theater programs in that decade! This series will show you what has changed and what has remained a timeless classic.
We are starting off with the 1960’s, the decade where the Mary Poppins soundtrack topped the charts and television on was on the rise. It is no wonder that theater arts programs at schools were very popular!
Top 6 Musicals in the 1960’s
Here are the 6 most popular musicals performed in high schools in the 1960’s:
The Wizard of Oz comes in at # 6
This timeless classic is a Grosh Favorite! We are not surprised that The Wizard of Oz made it on the list.
This musical classic follows Dorothy and Toto down the Yellow Brick Road to see the Great and Powerful Oz.
This popular show stood the test of time and remains to be a hit today!
At #5 is The Music Man
This musical comedy has been captivating audiences since 1957 and quickly became a crowd favorite topping the charts in the 1960’s.
This Musical follows professional conman Professor Harold Hill falling in love with the town’s librarian, Marian Paroo.
Bye Bye Birdie tops the charts at #4
This musical made its Broadway debut in the 1960’s and became a popular choice for high school musicals throughout the country.
This comedic musical was inspired by Elvis Presley.
This musical transports audiences along Albert and Rosie’s long-winding journey to finding a love that lasts.
Coming in at #3 is Brigadoon
This beloved musical is a crowd favorite!
Brigadoon is a romantic musical that became a Broadway hit in 1947. This musical became the favorite for high schools all around in the 1960’s.
Brigadoon follows New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, who go on a hunting trip to Scotland. During their wanderings, they discover a quaint little hamlet known as Brigadoon. The two marvel at the fact that the village can’t be found on any of the maps they have. It doesn’t take long for them to find out why and they learn that it’s because Brigadoon is a magical place.
The #2 spot goes to South Pacific
The classic musical of South Pacific tops the charts on popular high school musicals in the 1960s.
This musical follows Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage.
Topping the Charts at #1 is Oklahoma!
The big winner of the of the 1960’s High School Musicals is Oklahoma!
This production follows the romance of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams.
This musical quickly became a theatrical favorite in the 1960’s.
All of these shows are great and still stand the test of time! Have you done any of these shows?
Tell us in the comments below!
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