The theatre arts and musicals have brought joy to many throughout the years!
There’s nothing quite like reliving the performance that shaped an entire era. That’s why we’re going through the decades and listing the top 6 most popular high school musicals that ruled the theater programs at the time! This series will show you what has changed and what has remained a timeless classic.
We are starting off with the 1960s, the decade when the Mary Poppins soundtrack topped the charts and television was on the rise. It is no wonder that theater arts programs at schools were very popular!
Top 6 Musicals in the 1960s
The 1960s are popular for many reasons – think rock and roll, civil rights movements, and the space race. The musical theatre was also experiencing its own boom in many ways, and originated some of the most loved shows of all time. Here are the 6 most popular musicals performed in high schools in the 1960s:
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 as they are swept from their Kansas farm into a magical land full of wonder and fantastical creatures.
As they make their way down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Great and Powerful Oz, our protagonists have to brave many tests, like traveling through dark forests or facing the grand Emerald City.
The Wizard of Oz has stood the test of time for a reason: there is no better story than one where imagination has no boundaries. No wonder it remains 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 1960s.
The Music Man follows the professional conman Professor Harold Hill, as he tries to convince a small town to buy him instruments for a boy band he’s trying to build with local youth. Everything changes when he meets Marian Paroo, the town’s librarian.
Harold is quickly challenged by the fact that he does not know anything about music, while Marian is actually a huge music enthusiast.
This delightful story will never fail to capture the hearts of its audience through humor, romance, and, of course, iconic songs.
Bye Bye Birdie Tops the Charts At #4
This musical made its Broadway debut in the 1960s and became a popular choice for high school musicals throughout the country. Bye Bye Birdie it’s a classic comedic musical inspired by Elvis Presley.
This beloved classic follows Conrad Birdie, who, after being drafted into the Army, decides to bid a farewell performance to say goodbye to his teenage fans. Albert, an unsuccessful songwriter, and his girlfriend Rosie use this opportunity to have Conrad perform a song written by Albert on the Ed Sullivan Show.
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 1960s.
Brigadoon follows New Yorkers Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, who go on a hunting trip to Scotland. During their wanderings, they get lost and accidentally 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, only to discover that the town was hidden 200 years ago, and can only reappear one day every 100 years.
The #2 Spot Goes to South Pacific
The classic musical of South Pacific tops the charts of popular high school musicals in the 1960s.
This musical follows Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, who 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.
On the other hand, U.S. Joseph Cable finds himself developing feelings for Liat, a Tonkinese woman. While they are both deeply in love, Cable struggles with his own prejudices regarding marrying a Tonkinese woman.
This gorgeous musical never ceases to amaze, providing an always important lesson about harmful preconceptions and true love.
Topping the Charts at #1 Is Oklahoma!
The big winner of the 1960s High School Musicals is Oklahoma! This musical quickly became a theatrical favorite in the 1960s.
Set in Oklahoma territory, this production follows the romance of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams. Their love story grows increasingly complicated as tensions between cowboys and farmers keep escalating, and Jud Fry, a disturbed farmhand, becomes infatuated with Laurey. It all comes down to winning the bid at the local box social, where Laurey will auction a lunch basket she prepared and the opportunity to enjoy it with her.
This timeless story is filled with twists and turns, iconic characters, and notable performances. A very deserved number one, we must say.
All of these stories have charm beyond words and provide more than just a good time for any audience. They’re not just musicals, they are classic tales that are sure to engrave beautiful lessons and catchy tunes into your heart.
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