Recommended Plays and Musicals for Cultural Festivals, School Festivals, and School Performances

Frozen

Shiki Theatre Company: Disney’s Newest Musical “Frozen”: 2020 Promotional Video

Frozen, a Disney animated film released in 2013, became a huge hit.

In Japan, it was also released to great success, with Takako Matsu providing the lead dubbing and performing the theme song.

Building on this success, a Broadway musical stage version premiered in 2018.

Since the entire show is composed of memorable songs that everyone knows, performing it together as a class at a school festival could make for a wonderful memory.

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Kei Takahata

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Toy Story

Ryoho Festival ~ Toy Story ~ [3rd Year, Class 4]

Toy Story, a Disney production and one of Pixar’s flagship works, portrays beloved toys and the worries they carry.

It’s a story in which toys with diverse personalities work together to accomplish something, conveying a strong sense of unity.

The costumes—with clear, vivid colors that reflect each toy’s individuality—are also key, as they help communicate the characters through movement.

While referencing the original in the script, it may be best to focus on bringing out the characters’ appeal.

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kappamaki

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Rapunzel on the Tower

Rapunzel on the Tower in Hunan: “Mother is on your side.”

Tangled, well known as a Disney movie, is based on a Grimm fairy tale.

Because the story hinges on the magical power contained in Rapunzel’s long hair, how that long hair is portrayed is crucial.

As a Disney work, it also firmly incorporates musical elements, so we should be careful to convey the songs well.

In particular, “Mother Knows Best,” which appears early in the story, is memorable for the way it gradually transitions from dialogue into song, making it a piece that showcases both acting and singing effectively.

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kappamaki

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Peter Pan

Peter Pan’s Adventures, Episode 1: “Come Quickly! Everyone’s Idol, Peter Pan”

For a Disney piece that’s great for a stage production, I recommend Peter Pan.

Even people who aren’t Disney fans are likely to know it.

I think many of us dream of performing a Disney work on stage—getting a taste of that magical world, even if only during the play.

The costumes are adorable, so it’s perfect not only for coed schools but also for all-girls schools.

It’s a show everyone can enjoy—not just the performers, but the crew as well.

When the cast and crew join forces to bring the production to life, it really deepens the sense of unity.

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kinoshita ayaka

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The Little Mermaid

High School Cultural Festival - Play: The Little Mermaid

A classic Disney film from the 1990s, it was adapted for the stage in 2008 and has also been performed as a musical on Broadway.

Since the protagonist is clearly “The Little Mermaid,” it’s easy for the audience to follow the story.

The quality of the singing and dancing will likely determine the overall impact of the production, so do your best!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

From Act 1 of Meerkat 2020 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” 5th performance by Osaka University Musical Circle

Disney’s classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which has also been adapted into a stage musical.

Set in 15th-century Paris, it tells the heartrending love story of Quasimodo, the bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Pay special attention to the variety of songs—from Esmeralda the gypsy’s beautiful solos to the lively numbers that energize the city’s quirky festival.

While the story is serious and at times a bit dark, it teaches many important life lessons: accepting others, the many forms happiness can take, and more.

Watch the story closely, and do your best to bring your role to life!

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SAKI

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Sleeping Beauty

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty: Comment from Amon Miyamoto has arrived!

It’s a famous fairy tale with numerous remakes, including Disney’s.

The Disney version, Disney’s re-remake “Maleficent,” the original Grimm tale, and the slightly altered “Briar Rose” version all offer variations and insights on the same story, so I highly recommend exploring them.