10 Musicals Colleges Should Be Doing More

The Spitfire Grill (George Fox University)

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Every year, hundreds of college theatre programs pick their season, and more often than not, the same titles show up again and again. There's nothing wrong with a well-done Cabaret or Into the Woods (God knows, I love them both), but with so many brilliant, underused musicals out there, it feels like a missed opportunity not to dig a little deeper.

Now, I know not every college can take big risks with their season. Some schools have to balance audience expectations, budgets, educational needs, and licensing realities — and that’s totally valid. But for those programs that have a little more freedom to be adventurous, to challenge their students and surprise their audiences, these shows offer some truly exciting possibilities.

Whether it’s a hilarious comedy, a poignant drama, a massive ensemble piece, or a small, character-driven gem, here are 10 musicals I’d love to see college programs embrace more often — shows that really don’t get performed enough, even though they have everything a great college production needs.

1. Is There Life After High School? (1982)

A bittersweet, funny, and touching song cycle about adolescence, memory, and moving on, Is There Life After High School? is a sleeper hit for college-aged performers. The structure is loose, the stories are deeply human, and it’s an ensemble dream.

Students can step into dozens of small moments and make them their own — no two productions ever feel exactly alike. Plus, the material hits that sweet spot of being emotional without ever getting heavy-handed or melodramatic.

2. The Spitfire Grill (2001)

Set in a small town with a lot of heart, The Spitfire Grill blends folk, country, and musical theatre sounds into something fresh and beautiful. It’s perfect for medium-sized casts, and the storytelling is grounded and real.

It’s a fantastic showcase for strong female performers, and the music is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, the minimal set requirements mean the show is affordable to produce — but demands students really bring the emotional depth.

3. Goblin Market (1986)

Based on Christina Rossetti’s dark Victorian poem, Goblin Market is haunting, beautiful, and unlike anything else in the canon. It's usually performed with two or three women, but it can be expanded creatively for larger casts.

It’s a dream for directors who love bold staging ideas, and it challenges students to tackle difficult language, abstract storytelling, and complex vocal work — all in under 90 minutes. Definitely one for the brave and creative programs.

4. Adding Machine: A Musical (2008)

A dark, expressionistic chamber musical based on Elmer Rice’s 1923 play, Adding Machine is eerie, gripping, and criminally underproduced. With an edgy, angular score, it gives students the rare chance to explore musical theatre that feels truly avant-garde.

It’s a perfect fit for departments with strong actor-singers ready to lean into stylized, challenging material. The show’s dark humor, mechanical staging, and emotional undercurrents also open up a ton of creative design possibilities.

5. See What I Wanna See (2005)

Michael John LaChiusa’s stunning, challenging piece weaves together three short stories about truth, lies, and the way we shape our own narratives. It’s smart, emotional, and written for a small but powerhouse ensemble.

The score is thrilling, and it asks students to tackle a wide range of musical styles in one night. It’s a great way for colleges to stretch young actors' dramatic skills while still working in a tight, inventive format.

6. Bright Lights, Big City (1999)

Paul Scott Goodman’s pop/rock adaptation of Jay McInerney’s novel is a whirlwind — it’s messy, wild, and exactly what you want young performers throwing themselves into. Think Rent meets American Psycho with a very '90s edge.

It’s a fantastic ensemble-driven show, with opportunities for creative, frenetic staging. Students who love working in non-traditional spaces or experimenting with multimedia would thrive on a show like this. It deserves another life.

7. Amour (2002)

Michel Legrand’s Broadway musical Amour is whimsical, romantic, and way more sophisticated than its short run suggests. Set in postwar Paris, it’s about an unassuming man who gains the ability to walk through walls — and how he uses it to change lives.

It’s clever, imaginative, and full of beautiful ensemble moments. The score is delicate and tricky in all the right ways, and it’s a fantastic choice for departments looking to stage something magical but emotionally grounded.

8. Eating Raoul (1992)

This campy, absurdist musical based on the cult film about a couple who turns to murder to fund their dream restaurant is hilarious, twisted, and criminally underproduced. Great for smaller casts and students with razor-sharp comic instincts.

It’s unapologetically silly, with clever songs and a totally unique tone. Perfect for programs that want to push the boundaries of what "college musical theatre" usually looks like — and for students who are fearless onstage.

9. First Daughter Suite (2015)

Michael John LaChiusa’s rich, challenging chamber musical looks at the private lives of America’s first families — with an all-female cast. It’s a powerful show about legacy, expectation, and identity, wrapped in stunning music and poetic language.

It’s vocally and emotionally demanding (like all LaChiusa), but it’s so worth it. It’s an excellent vehicle for strong actresses and for directors who aren’t afraid of complex, layered storytelling. Plus, it feels genuinely fresh.

10. The Theory of Relativity (2016)

This contemporary song cycle by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life) is all about connections — how seemingly random people’s lives overlap in unexpected ways. It's relatable, heartfelt, and flexible in casting.

It’s great for smaller programs who want something new and ensemble-driven, and it gives a lot of people moments to shine without needing a traditional “lead.” Plus, the themes resonate hard with college-aged audiences.

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There’s an entire universe beyond the five or six shows every college seems to rotate. These musicals are smart, challenging, moving, hilarious — and best of all, they’ll surprise your students and your audiences.

Next season, be bold when you can. Give your students the gift of discovering something new.