25 of the Best Small Group Musical Numbers
Written by Tiffany Weagly-Wilkie
May 10, 2016
The small group musical, a popular event to take to competition, can be deceptively difficult due to the small cast size. When choosing a number, it’s essential to include either strong singers who dance or singers who move. If you’re looking for a number for competition, below are 25 suggestions that are sure to do wow the judges and the audience!
1. “The Song of Purple Summer” from Spring Awakening
Why it works: The music is sure to give the audience chills. The harmonies are beautiful, and the story is haunting.
2. “On My Way” from Violet
Why it works: When performed as a small group this number is breathtaking to watch. The music is stunning, and the actors will be challenged by the staging demands of creating a bus in motion.
3. “High Adventure” from Aladdin
Why it works: If executed flawlessly, the harmonies and comic timing make this number hysterical and thrilling to watch.
4. “Make Me Happy” from The Wild Party
Why it works: A true dramatic piece that hooks the audience from the beginning and then leaves them shocked at the end. There’s also a chance to implement some fight choreography into the number.
5. “All I Wanna Do is Eat” from Disenchated
Why it works: Four starving Disney princesses and hilarious lyrics make this number topical and funny!
6. “Number 5 With a Bullet” from High Fidelity
Why it works: Another dramatic number that features 6 angry ex-girlfriends and one hopeless guy. If the harmonies are done right, and all the girls really work together, this number packs a serious punch.
7. “All Girl Band” from A… My Name is Alice
Why it works: It features 7 bored and frustrated housewives who decide to rock out their problems by forming a band and celebrating female power!
8. “I Know it’s Today” from Shrek
Why it works: The number features 3 girls at various ages contemplating being trapped in a tower while waiting for a Prince to rescue them. Hilarity ensues as the “waiting” seems to never end.
9. “Holding out for a Hero” from Footloose
Why it works: Who doesn’t love an 80’s power number featuring ladies waiting for that perfect man while tossing their hair around? The harmonies and synchronized choreography will blow the audience away.
10. “I Love You Song” from The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Why it works: A dramatic piece with heart that features a smart young girl longing for her parents’ presence at her spelling bee competition. The music is haunting and leaves the audience with chills.
11. “Gold” from Once
Why it works: If you happen to have 7 kids who play instruments, who can also sing and dance then check this number out. It will bring the house down!
12. “What a Game” from Ragtime
Why it works: 7 guys at a baseball game, being guys, while hitting sweet harmonies is sure to be fantastic.
13. “Easy Street” from Annie
Why it works: A little known gem of a small group that features three character actors with excellent comic timing and dancing skills.
14. “She’s in Love” from The Little Mermaid
Why it works: A sweet and comic number that features strong female vocalists and a single male. If you have the Flounder then do this number. It is a show stealer every single time.
15. “Some Kinda Time” from Dogfight
Why it works: A dramatic number that’s fun for guys who can sing, move, and act tough.
16. “Come Up To My Office” from Parade
Why it works: A little more on the serious side, this number addresses the guilt or innocence of a factory owner with three girls and one guy. Creative staging is a must.
17. “Opening Sequence: The New World” from Songs for a New World
Why it works: If you would like to slowly kill it in the room with individual power solos that slowly become intense harmonies, then this number is perfect.
18. “Shine Like the Sun” from 9 to 5
Why it works: Women power! 3 ladies have had it with their awful boss and decide to get him back while realizing their full life potential. A perfect number for 3 strong females and a guy who doesn’t mind being tied up, literally.
19. “My Strongest Suit” from Aida
Why it works: It features a strong female lead, but all the ladies can get down to the power of the power suit! Fun harmonies and choreography included.
20. “Flying Away (Finale)” from Fun Home
Why it works: This number also lives in the serious world. The three actresses will be challenged to play the same person at 3 stages in her life. The intensity and commitment required to pull this off, if done well, will leave a lasting impression in the room.
21. “Bless the Lord” from Godspell
Why it works: A perfect number for a standout female lead and a group of singer/dancers. This number starts off slow, but builds and builds to a sassy final picture.
22. “The Schuyler Sisters” from Hamilton
Why it works: If you have three girls with the sass to pull this one off, do it.
23. “Good Morning” from Singing in the Rain
Why it works: A perfect star vehicle for 2 guys and a girl who can sing and tap dance.
24. “America” from West Side Story
Why it works: It’s a classic piece, it’s fun to perform, and it features 7 sassy ladies who can sing and dance.
25. “Those Canaan Days” from Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
Why it works: Another great number that showcases 7 actors who can sing, harmonize, and lament about the good old days.
Tiffany Weagly-Wilkie is the Director of Theatricals for PerformerStuff.com. She also serves as the Casting Director for The Imagination House.