Good Musicals for Schools - Best Female Heavy Musicals

I’ve spent four of my ten years teaching drama at an all-girls school, and finding musicals with female-heavy casts has always been a top priority. We’d often have just a few male performers brought in as guest artists, so selecting the right show was all about making sure as many girls as possible could shine.

Even if you’re not at an all-girls school, many programs face the same situation: lots of enthusiastic young women, but only a few male performers. That’s where this list comes in.

These are great shows for featuring female performers, either because they have built-in female-led casts, or because the characters can reasonably be played by female actors without altering the script (which is important: see the note below).

⚠️ Caveat: You can’t legally change a character’s gender without permission from the licensing company. This list only includes shows where female actors can play roles traditionally cast as male without changing the character’s gender identity.

👑 1. Cinderella (Rodgers & Hammerstein)

There are three licensable versions through Concord Theatricals, all of which highlight major female roles:

• Cinderella
  

• Stepmother
  

• Stepsisters
  

• Fairy Godmother

Depending on the version you choose, you’ll also find female ensemble opportunities like the Queen, or flexible roles like Sebastian or the Court Herald that can be played by female actors (without changing pronouns).

Why it works:

• Classic fairytale = strong ticket sales
  

• Built-in roles for multiple female leads
  

• Easily expandable ensemble for chorus members
  

☂️ 2. Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins gives you Mary herself, Mrs. Banks, and plenty of female ensemble opportunities. Depending on your vision and cast, Jane and Michael Banks can both be played by girls, especially in schools where strong female actors outnumber male options.

The ensemble also includes a rotating cast of quirky characters, many of whom are gender-flexible depending on your casting needs.

Why it works:

• Beloved title with tons of audience appeal
  

• Flexible casting of children’s roles
  

• Opportunities for a large female ensemble
  

📚 3. Little Women (Broadway Version)

This one’s a natural fit for programs with strong female performers. You’ve got:

• Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy
  

• Marmee, Aunt March
  

• Female ensemble opportunities (e.g., party guests, townspeople)

Yes, you’ll need a few strong male performers (Laurie, Professor Bhaer, Mr. Brooke), but the heart of the story is all about the March sisters, so this show is still very female-forward.

Why it works:

• Rich, emotional character development
  

• Features multiple female leads

• Great for programs with strong female actors and singers
  

🌈 4. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

At first glance, it’s a male-dominated show—but with a little creativity (and without changing character genders), Joseph can work beautifully for female-heavy casts.

• The 12 brothers can all be played by female actors
  

• The Narrator role is traditionally female—and can even be split between multiple performers with permission
  

• Supporting roles like Potiphar’s wife and ensemble dancers offer more female features

Why it works:

• High-energy and ensemble-driven
  

• Great for strong vocalists and dancers
  

• Flexible casting options
  

📚 5. Seussical the Musical

This one’s a flexible dream. You’ve got built-in female leads like:

• Gertrude McFuzz
  

• Mayzie LaBird
  

• The Bird Girls
  

And plenty of roles that can be played by anyone:

• Cat in the Hat
  

• JoJo
  

• Wickersham “Brothers”
  

• General Genghis Khan Schmitz

You can easily lean female in casting without breaking licensing rules.

Why it works:

• Highly adaptable casting
  

• Colorful and energetic production
  

• Great for elementary through high school
  

🌪 6. The Wizard of Oz

You’ll always have Dorothy, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch, plus the female-heavy Munchkin ensemble. And while the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are traditionally male, they can easily be played by female actors (without changing the character).

Why it works:

• Iconic roles and songs
  

• High audience recognition = good box office
  

• Strong lead for a standout female actor
  

👒 7. Anne of Green Gables: The Musical

A beautiful and often underrated show, this one features:

• Anne Shirley
  

• Marilla Cuthbert
  

• Diana Barry
  

• Schoolgirls and townspeople

You’ll still need a Gilbert and a Matthew, but the female roles are plentiful and rewarding.

Why it works:

• Rich literary source material
  

• Female-driven story with emotional depth
  

• Great for smaller budgets and flexible staging

🖋 8. Jane Eyre: The Musical

Jane Eyre is perfect for mature performers looking for something a little more serious. Jane, Mrs. Fairfax, and several ensemble roles like servants and teachers offer rich opportunities for female performers. While you do need a strong male actor for Rochester, the story’s emotional focus is firmly on Jane.

Why it works:

• Deep character development
  

• Gorgeous, haunting score
  

• Strong vehicle for your lead female actor
  

🐕 9. Annie

Though it’s often done in junior high, Annie holds up at the high school level—especially when you want a guaranteed female ensemble. Between Annie, Miss Hannigan, Grace, Lily, and all the orphans, you’ll have no shortage of roles for young women.

Many supporting male roles (like the Constable or Bert Healy) can also be played by female performers without altering the characters.

Why it works:

• Guaranteed roles for a large group of girls
  

• Familiar story = solid audience turnout
  

• Great mix of humor, heart, and strong vocals
  
  

🍍 10. SpongeBob the Musical

You might not expect SpongeBob on this list—but Concord Theatricals has confirmed that all roles are gender-flexible. This modern, vibrant show offers huge ensemble numbers and over-the-top characters that female actors can absolutely rock.

You’ll need confident character actors, but you won’t be stuck with rigid casting expectations.

Why it works:

• Fully gender-flexible casting
  

• Big, silly fun with strong themes of friendship and community
  

• Great for schools ready to try something bold and contemporary
  

🎭 Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a cast full of talented young women, these shows are some of the best ways to give them stage time, spotlight, and meaningful characters. Whether you’re staging a classic like Cinderella or going creative with SpongeBob, the key is choosing material that showcases your students' strengths and celebrates their artistry.

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Happy teaching, and break a leg!