NPR Ed has released updated rankings of popular high school plays and musicals, showing a shift in preferences since 2015. This year, The Addams Family leads the musical category, followed by Mamma Mia! and the new addition Cinderella. In full-length plays, Clue has overtaken Almost, Maine for the top position. The impact of COVID-19 is evident, as 85% of schools reported canceled performances, affecting funding for future productions. Vernon Hills High School creatively adapted Clue into a radio drama during lockdown, illustrating resilience in the face of challenges.
For Vernon Hills High School in Illinois, Clue was a great choice because of its creativity and humor, says Stephanie Freichels, the school's theater director. "It combines mystery with some really great physical comedy."
This year, 85 percent of nearly 3,300 schools surveyed by the EdTA said they had canceled performances, and many educators say they'll feel the financial impact from that this year.
Mamma Mia! was the second most-popular, making an appearance on the list for the second year (the rights for schools recently became available).
The rankings come out as schools across the country are being challenged to adapt their theater and concert performances to online platforms because of the coronavirus.
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