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Spring’s Most Popular New Shows!

Table of Contents

The winner for

“Spring’s Most Popular New Show”

goes to…

 

The Little Mermaid!

 

(Thank you to the “Academy” of Grosh voting members for the results from our highly scientific vote!)

 

Since MTI released Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. for licensing last year, the show has exploded in popularity among schools and children’s theatre. The plot of this one-act musical is most similar to Disney’s version, but with a few twists akin to the original Hans Christian Andersen story.  This adapted Jr. style is best for a larger cast of 20+ and features many well-known songs such as: ‘Part of your World’, ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’, ‘Kiss the Girl’ and more. The dancing numbers can be dialed up or down depending on cast members ability, and the costumes have a wide creative margin for adorably quirky design.

We were enthusiastic to create new backdrop designs that our customers would be excited to have on their stage. In fact the demand for these drops is so high that they are constantly out for rental and we’re regularly adding more to our inventory! Undersea Castle, Castle by the Beach, and Palace Interior backdrops are all available in two sizes: 17’ x 40’ or 22’ x 50’.

You can see all of our Little Mermaid backdrops here.

Backdrop of golden glowing castle underwater with bright sea life surrounding.

Backdrop featuring a whimsical castle sitting along the peaceful ocean bay

Fancy Palace Interior backdrop with grand purple drapery surrounding three windows

Middle School performing Little Mermaid in front of undersea castle backdrop
Kentucky Country Day School, Louisville KY

Another popular new show is- In the Heights released for licensing last year by Rodgers and Hammerstein. This Tony-Award winning musical takes place in the Manhattan neighborhood barrio of Washington Heights for a few days in sweltering July.

“The universal story of a vibrant community … a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions to take with you, and which ones you leave behind.” – Rodgers & Hammerstein

Differentiating it from many other shows, In the Height’s characters are minorities- many of them arriving here from other countries. The show features continual high-energy song and dance sets; from love ballads to street rap, jazz to salsa.

If you’re thinking of doing this show in the future, we’ve got the perfect backdrops to frame your set and make you feel like you’re right there in the neighborhood!

George Washington Bridge, New York Borough, Washington Heights are all 22’ x 50’

Backdrop showing dilapidated street with graffiti in foreground and George Washington bridge in the backdground

Backdrop featuring two urban New York brownstones

Backdrop showing a large panorama of the George Washington Bridge on a beautiful day

 

 

Lastly, Legally Blonde the Musical! It’s been available (via MTI) a little longer than the other two shows, yet remains a production favorite.

In this female-dominated show, Elle Woods is determined to prove to her old boyfriend, but ultimately to herself, that she’s got what it takes to graduate from Harvard Law School. The message about believing in yourself is serious yet the entire show is lighthearted and humorous. Upbeat and peppy, Legally Blonde is the perfect show for high schools and community theatre.

Of course the performance wouldn’t be complete without backdrops such as: Sorority House Exterior (with cut out windows!) and a Courtroom Interior.

Backdrop of pink sorority house with trees around

Backdrop of wood-panneled courtroom interior with a side window

High School girls performing a musical number from Legally Blonde in front of Sorority House Backdrop
Omigod You Guys! – Libertyville High School, Vernon Hills Illinois

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