Listen to the soundtrack!
Next: The Musical
(A Sidekick Story)
Next is a heartfelt and honest musical comedy about issues we all face in our lives. It follows the friendship between Zoey, a shy girl who often feels unnoticed, and her best friend Abby, the girl that everyone knows and loves.
Perfect for middle schools! Features three female leads, supporting roles written for females, but can be played by any genders, and an ensemble that is adjustable in size. Written for piano accompaniment, but performance tracks are also available.
Cast Size: 7-30+ performers
Length: 55 minutes
What people are saying!
"There is hope for the future!! This musical is perfect, and I am not exaggerating. I absolutely loved the story, in which the central characters are girls who love and support each other, and when they do have a conflict it's not about a boy, and they explore empathy and authenticity and resilience...oh how I want every middle schooler to see this show. Every. Single. One. And also every adult. I love this
show."
"Authenticity and feelings. I feel like shows about middle school are either over-dramatized by the perspective of kids for whom it is life-and-death, or over-wrought by adults trying to put drama and story into the hum-drum reality of everyday life. Not here. This story is relatable and authentic and, while the stakes are never that high, steeped in feeling. A must-see."
"I expected this musical to be light and funny, but I didn’t expect that it would touch my heart. All those memories of not quite fitting in came rushing back. Angela Fox has written a story in which we can all see ourselves as sidekick and superhero. Laughter “Me and My Shelf” and tears “Shadowbox” - this musical should be produced in schools across the state."
Meet the Cast!
Zoey
Soprano. Shy, introverted. Feels like the sidekick in her own story. Artistic and a book lover, including comic books.
Best friends with Abby.
Abby
Mezzo Soprano. Outgoing and extroverted with a big heart. The popular girl everyone knows and loves. Best friends
with Zoey.
Narrator
Soprano. The grown up version of Zoey.
Abby and Zoey’s Friend Group
Hilary
Soprano or Alto. Plucky and enthusiastic.
Nicole
Soprano or Alto. Sweet, not the sharpest crayon in the box.
Janelle
Soprano or Alto. Social butterfly.
Vernon
Baritone. Considers himself the comic in the group.
Supporting Roles
Young Zoey
Mezzo Soprano. Younger version of Zoey.
Shelf
Alto. Zoey’s childhood shelf.
Books
Soprano, Alto, Baritone. Zoey’s childhood books.
Shelf Items
Soprano, Alto, Baritone. Items on Zoey’s childhood shelf.
Ensemble
Ensemble Roles with Speaking Lines
Spelling Bee Pronouncer
Talent Show Announcer
Kid One
Kid Two
Kid Three
Kid Four
Non-speaking Ensemble
Soprano, Alto, Baritone. School kids. The ensemble is flexible in size and can be cast with any gender.
The original production consisted of only Zoey, Abby, Narrator, Hilary, Nicole, Janelle and Vernon. Zoey also played Young Zoey. Hilary, Nicole, Janelle and Vernon also played all the remaining roles: Shelf, Books, Shelf Items, Spelling Bee Pronouncer, Talent ShowAnnouncer, Kid One, Kid Two, Kid Three, Kid Four and Ensemble.
Production Kit
$399
Everything you need for a successful show is included in your price!
Script
Professionally formatted script. Easy to read and use. Includes song lyrics and music cues.
PDF download.
Score
Professional piano and vocal sheet music for the entire show. Easy to understand and use. Includes song staging and dialogue cues. PDF download.
Vocal Tracks
Listen to a live performance recording. Performers can practice at home and feel extra prepared for rehearsal! MP3 download.
Copy License
Permission to duplicate/print as many copies your cast and crew needs for the duration of the show.
Promotion Pack
Permission to use the Next: The Musical show logo for all of your advertising needs, programs, posters,
t-shirts, etc!
Video Recording License
Permission to video record your performances and share online and with friends and family!