Music has a way of touching our hearts and evoking emotions. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or inspiration, there’s no denying the power of a good song. This is especially true in high school, where students are undergoing some of the biggest changes and challenges in their lives. Whether it’s in the form of a musical, a play, or a school performance, music has a way of bringing people together and helping them express themselves in new and exciting ways. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 30 songs that are perfect for high school plays. From upbeat pop songs to powerful ballads, each of these tracks has been chosen for its ability to connect with students and bring a high school performance to life. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let the music do the talking!
1. Peter and the Starcatcher
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is a musical based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. This Tony Award-winning production tells the story of the origins of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and the adventures he has with the starcatcher, Molly, and the villainous Black Stache. The music, written by Wayne Barker, is a mix of folk-inspired ballads and lively sea shanties that help bring the story to life on stage. The lyrics are filled with humor and heart, making this a beloved show for audiences of all ages. With its imaginative storytelling and catchy tunes, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is a perfect choice for high school theater productions.
2. Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
“Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” is a comedic play that provides a unique and witty perspective on the world of magic and wizardry. With its playful script, the play offers a fresh take on a beloved franchise, offering a lighthearted and humorous look at the trials and tribulations of the student life in a wizarding school. The play features a diverse cast of characters who experience the ups and downs of magic school together, and its relatable themes and laugh-out-loud moments are sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of magic and wizardry or simply looking for a fun and entertaining evening at the theater, “Puffs” is sure to delight and entertain with its charming and clever storytelling.
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a musical adaptation of the 2003 novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. The play explores the journey of a 15-year-old boy named Christopher Boone, who has an exceptional mind and a love for mathematics, but struggles with social interaction and understanding human emotions. The play follows Christopher as he sets out to solve the mystery of who killed his neighbor’s dog and in the process, he discovers a world of complexities and secrets. With its innovative stage design and moving storytelling, the musical portrays a heartwarming tale of courage, acceptance, and human connection. The music, composed by Adrian Sutton, creates a powerful backdrop for the story, amplifying the emotions and bringing to life the various challenges faced by Christopher as he tries to make sense of the world around him.
4. Our Town
“Our Town” is a classic play written by playwright Thornton Wilder in 1938. The play is a timeless tale of small town life in the early 20th century and is often performed as a high school production. It focuses on the lives of the residents of the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire and explores themes of love, death, and the passage of time. With its minimalistic stage design and universal themes, “Our Town” remains a popular choice for high school theater groups to perform. Its portrayal of everyday life, small town community and the human experience makes it a relatable and thought-provoking production that appeals to audiences of all ages.
5. The Crucible
“The Crucible” is a play written by Arthur Miller in the mid-20th century. Set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the play is a portrayal of the mass hysteria and fear that gripped the small town of Salem. The play is widely regarded as a commentary on the McCarthyism of the 1950s and the Communist Red Scare. Through the characters and events of the play, Miller explores themes of guilt, power, and the dangers of mass hysteria. The play has been widely performed and is considered a classic of American theater. With its powerful message and timeless themes, “The Crucible” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of theater that is well-suited for high school productions.
6. Alice in Wonderland
“Alice in Wonderland” is not a song, it’s a classic children’s book written by Lewis Carroll. The story follows Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world filled with strange and peculiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter. Through her adventures, Alice learns important life lessons and discovers that the line between fantasy and reality can sometimes become blurred. This timeless tale has been adapted into various forms of media, including plays and musicals, and continues to captivate audiences of all ages with its whimsical storytelling and imaginative characters.
7. Noises Off
“Noises Off” is a play that was written by Michael Frayn and first performed in 1982. It is a farcical comedy that takes place backstage of a theatrical production and follows the misadventures of a group of actors as they try to put on a play. The play is known for its intricate staging, which includes a two-story set that rotates to show the audience both the front and the back of the stage. The humor of “Noises Off” comes from the characters’ physical mishaps, forgotten lines, and many other comedic scenarios that play out as the actors try to keep their performance together. With its fast-paced humor, witty dialogue, and intricate stagecraft, “Noises Off” is a classic comedy that is sure to entertain high school audiences.
8. Romeo and Juliet
“Romeo and Juliet” is a classic play written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. It is a tale of two young star-crossed lovers from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, who fall in love and ultimately end their lives in tragedy. The play explores themes of love, passion, and the power of fate, and is widely considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. With its timeless themes and memorable characters, “Romeo and Juliet” has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, operas, and musicals, and remains a popular choice for high school productions.
9. Pygmalion
“Pygmalion” is a classic play written by George Bernard Shaw in 1913. The play is a social commentary that explores the themes of class, language, and education. The main character, Professor Henry Higgins, is a phoneticist who takes on the challenge of transforming a Cockney flower girl into a sophisticated lady. Through the journey of transformation, the play examines the way in which language and education shape our social standing and identity. The play is known for its witty and insightful dialogue and has been adapted into numerous productions including the famous musical “My Fair Lady.” “Pygmalion” remains a staple of modern theater and continues to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking themes and well-developed characters.
10. Clue
“Clue” is not a song, but rather a popular board game and later a movie adaptation. In the game, players take on the roles of guests at a mansion, where they must solve a murder mystery by collecting clues and accusing other players. The movie adaptation of “Clue” features a similar plot, with a group of people gathered at a mansion, where a murder takes place and the guests must work together to solve the crime. With its twists and turns, “Clue” is a fun and exciting play that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out who the murderer is.
11. Almost, Maine
“Almost, Maine” is a play by John Cariani. It is a series of vignettes about love and loss set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine. The play is known for its whimsical and fantastical elements, as well as its heartfelt portrayal of human relationships. The play features a range of characters and stories, each with its own unique twist on love and all of its ups and downs. “Almost, Maine” is a charming and touching play that is often performed by high school theater groups and is sure to leave audiences feeling both amused and moved.
12. Radium Girls
“Radium Girls” is a play that tells the story of the young women who painted watch dials with radium during World War I, and the impact of their work on their health and the broader fight for worker’s rights. The play is based on real events and brings to light the incredible bravery and determination of these women, who stood up against their employers and the government to demand recognition and compensation for the harm done to them. With a mix of humor and pathos, “Radium Girls” is a powerful tribute to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right.
13. Run for Your Wife
“Run for Your Wife” is a British farce comedy play written by Ray Cooney. The play follows the story of John Smith, a taxi driver who manages to keep two wives in different parts of London without either of them knowing. When John is rushed to the hospital after a mugging, the two wives come together and the truth is revealed leading to a series of comical events. This play is known for its fast-paced humor and witty dialogue that has entertained audiences for decades. The play is a classic example of the British farce tradition and is perfect for high school drama students looking to challenge their comedic acting skills. With its unexpected twists and turns, “Run for Your Wife” is sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
14. The Man Who Came to Dinner
“The Man Who Came to Dinner” is a stage play written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, first performed in 1939. The play is a comedy that centers around a famous and eccentric radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside, who becomes a houseguest after slipping on the front steps of the home of the Stanley family. Throughout the play, Whiteside creates chaos for the Stanley family as he invites guests and makes himself at home in their house. The witty dialogue, humorous characters, and unexpected twists make “The Man Who Came to Dinner” a timeless classic in the world of theater and a favorite among audiences.
15. And Then There Were None
I’m sorry, but “And Then There Were None” is not a song, but rather a play. This play is a classic murder mystery written by British playwright Agatha Christie. It was first performed in London’s West End in 1943 and has since been performed many times all over the world. The story revolves around ten strangers who are invited to an isolated island where they are each accused of a different murder. One by one, the guests are killed in seemingly impossible ways, and the story becomes more and more tense as the mystery unfolds. The play is considered one of the greatest mystery plays of all time, and is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns.
16. The Women of Lockerbie
“The Women of Lockerbie” is a play that revolves around the aftermath of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. The play focuses on a group of women from the town of Lockerbie, who come together to mourn the loss of their loved ones and find a way to cope with the tragedy. They embark on a journey to return the clothing of the victims to their families, and in the process, they learn about the importance of forgiveness, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. This play highlights the bravery and strength of the women of Lockerbie, as well as their unwavering determination to honor the memory of their loved ones. Through powerful performances and touching themes, “The Women of Lockerbie” is a moving tribute to those affected by the tragedy and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the human soul.
17. Twelve Angry Jurors
“Twelve Angry Jurors” is a classic courtroom drama written by Reginald Rose. The play is a tense, gripping portrayal of a murder trial, in which a group of 12 jurors must come to a verdict, but the testimony and evidence are far from clear-cut. Tensions rise as the jurors argue, debate, and clash with each other as they try to reach a unanimous decision. With complex characters, compelling dialogue, and a thought-provoking examination of justice, “Twelve Angry Jurors” remains one of the most popular and highly-regarded plays in modern theater. Whether you’re a fan of courtroom dramas, social commentary, or just great storytelling, this play is a must-see.
18. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a classic play written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. The play is a romantic comedy that takes place in a magical forest and follows the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and a mischievous fairy named Puck. The play is known for its imaginative, whimsical storyline and its memorable characters, who are often depicted in elaborate costumes and special effects. Themes of love, jealousy, and the power of nature are explored in the play, which has been performed countless times over the centuries, making it one of Shakespeare’s most beloved works.
19. The Wolves
“The Wolves” is a play written by Sarah DeLappe that focuses on a girls’ indoor soccer team. The play explores the lives of the teenage characters as they navigate their way through complex personal and social issues while participating in their sport. “The Wolves” is a play that emphasizes the importance of friendship, team dynamics, and the challenges of growing up. Through the eyes of these young women, the play touches on themes such as gender equality, identity, and the pressure of adolescence. The play’s dialogue is fast-paced, witty, and insightful, and its character development is well-crafted, making it a standout play in the high school theatrical repertoire.
20. Sense and Sensibility
“Sense and Sensibility” is not a song, it is a novel written by Jane Austen, first published in 1811. The story is a classic representation of the Georgian era and revolves around two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who embody the concepts of sense (practicality) and sensibility (emotion) respectively. The book follows their journey as they navigate through the complexities of love, marriage, and societal norms. Through their experiences, the author critiques the societal conventions of the time and showcases the importance of a balance between sense and sensibility in navigating through life’s challenges. The novel is considered a literary masterpiece and is widely regarded as one of Austen’s finest works.
21. Macbeth
“Macbeth” is a Shakespearean tragedy play that was first performed in 1606. The play revolves around the title character, Macbeth, who is a brave Scottish general and is prophesied by three witches that he will become the king of Scotland. Macbeth’s ambition takes over, leading him to commit murder and seize the throne, causing his downward spiral into guilt, paranoia and ultimate defeat. The play is known for its intense themes of ambition, guilt, betrayal, and fate, and has been adapted into various forms of media, including operas, ballets, and films. The play is considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest works and is widely studied and performed in theaters around the world.
22. A Christmas Carol
“A Christmas Carol” is a play that tells the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey through the guidance of the three ghosts of Christmas. It is a heartwarming tale of redemption and the power of kindness, and is a beloved holiday classic. The play features memorable characters such as Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through Scrooge’s encounters with these figures, he learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of compassion towards those in need. With its timeless themes and joyful spirit, “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted for stage productions and other media for generations, and remains a staple of the holiday season.
23. She Kills Monsters
“She Kills Monsters” is a comedic play that takes audiences on an adventure into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. The play follows the journey of Agnes Evans, a grieving sister who embarks on a quest to understand her late sister Tilly’s obsession with the tabletop role-playing game. Along the way, Agnes encounters a cast of quirky and endearing characters, including a rogue thief, a powerful sorceress, and a dragon named Tiamat. Through this fantastical journey, “She Kills Monsters” explores themes of grief, friendship, and the importance of imagination and escapism in our lives. With its witty humor, heartwarming moments, and nods to geek culture, “She Kills Monsters” is a must-see for fans of D&D and anyone who loves a good storytelling adventure.
24. The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” is a comedy play written by Don Zolidis. This high energy performance follows two narrators as they attempt to recreate all of the classic Grimm Fairy Tales in one wild and zany show. With quick-witted humor, fast-paced dialogue, and a host of over-the-top characters, this play is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of fairy tales or just enjoy a good laugh, “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” is sure to be a hit on any stage.
25. The Laramie Project
The Laramie Project is a play written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project. It is based on true events surrounding the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. The play is a series of monologues and interviews with residents of Laramie, exploring their reactions to the event and their views on the LGBTQ+ community. The Laramie Project is a powerful commentary on hate crimes, homosexuality, and tolerance, and serves as a call to action for audiences to stand up against hate and discrimination. Through its thought-provoking and emotional portrayal of a tragic event, the play raises important questions about how we treat each other as human beings and the importance of empathy and understanding.
26. Check Please
“Check Please” is not a song, it is a play. “Check Please” is a comedy play that explores the ups and downs of dating and relationships through a series of blind dinner dates gone wrong. The play follows the protagonist as they navigate a series of disastrous dates, each one funnier and more absurd than the last. With witty dialogue and hilarious scenarios, “Check Please” is a lighthearted and entertaining look at the perils of modern dating. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, “Check Please” is a play that is sure to have you laughing and relating to the characters on stage.
27. Twelfth Night
“Twelfth Night” is a play written by William Shakespeare that is often performed by high schools and youth theaters. The play is a romantic comedy that features a mix of mistaken identities, unrequited love, and hijinks. It is set in the fictional Illyria, and the story revolves around a shipwrecked Viola, who disguises herself as a man and becomes involved in the romantic entanglements of the local nobility. The play is known for its witty dialog, lively characters, and themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
For high school students, performing “Twelfth Night” is an excellent opportunity to develop their acting skills and engage with Shakespeare’s timeless language and themes. The play offers many different opportunities for students to showcase their talents, whether they are lead actors, musicians, or stage technicians. By performing “Twelfth Night,” students can deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s work and gain valuable experience working in a theater production. Overall, “Twelfth Night” is a classic play that is well-suited for high school students and provides an exciting and rewarding theatrical experience.
28. Middletown
“Middletown” is a play written by Will Eno that is often performed by high schools and youth theaters. The play is a drama that explores the lives of the residents of a small, seemingly idyllic town. It takes a close look at the day-to-day struggles and joys of ordinary people and reveals the deeper, more complex emotions that lie beneath the surface. The play is known for its poignant and insightful writing, which challenges audiences to think more deeply about their own lives and relationships.
For high school students, performing “Middletown” is an excellent opportunity to develop their acting skills and engage with contemporary theater. The play’s characters are relatable and complex, providing students with rich opportunities to develop their craft. By performing “Middletown,” students can explore important themes such as loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life.
Overall, “Middletown” is a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful play that is well-suited for high school students and provides an exciting and challenging theatrical experience. Whether you are an actor, director, or stage technician, this play offers something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
29. The Importance of Being Earnest
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a play written by Oscar Wilde that is often performed by high schools and youth theaters. The play is a comedic masterpiece that is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays of all time. It is a witty and absurd farce that pokes fun at the social norms and conventions of Victorian England. The play revolves around two young men, Jack and Algernon, who lead double lives and assume false identities in order to escape the monotony of their everyday lives. The play is known for its clever wordplay, witty one-liners, and memorable characters.
For high school students, performing “The Importance of Being Earnest” is an excellent opportunity to develop their comedic acting skills and engage with one of the great works of English literature. The play’s characters are richly drawn and offer a wide range of opportunities for students to showcase their talents. By performing “The Importance of Being Earnest,” students can learn about Wilde’s unique and humorous perspective on Victorian society and deepen their understanding of this important period in English history.
Overall, “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a timeless classic that is well-suited for high school students and provides an entertaining and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Whether you are an actor, director, or stage technician, this play offers something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
30. Night of January 16th
“Night of January 16th” is a play written by Ayn Rand that is often performed by high schools and youth theaters. The play is a courtroom drama that centers around the trial of Bjorn Faulkner, who is accused of murder. The play is known for its fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action and its thought-provoking exploration of the concepts of justice, morality, and the nature of truth. The play also features elements of suspense and surprise, making it an exciting and engaging theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
For high school students, performing “Night of January 16th” is an excellent opportunity to develop their acting and stage presence, as well as to engage with thought-provoking ideas and themes. The play offers a wide range of roles for students, from lead actors to stage technicians, allowing students to showcase their diverse talents and abilities. By performing “Night of January 16th,” students can explore Rand’s unique and provocative worldview, as well as learn about the craft of theater and the art of storytelling.
Overall, “Night of January 16th” is a captivating and thought-provoking play that is well-suited for high school students. Whether you are an actor, director, or stage technician, this play offers something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.