Great Hall Theatrical’s “Gideon vs. the Gods of Cool” Offers Supernatural Talent and Fun
The music is addicting, the laughter contagious, and the talent genuine.
Kirsten Fowler, Front Row Reviewers
Read the review
Musical licensing
Gideon Vs. the Gods of Cool
Teenage cliques become a battle of epic proportions in this big-hearted, 1980s musical comedy.
10+ actors≈ 2 hoursFrom $549
The story
When Gideon Greenwich accidentally discovers that his fellow students are being controlled by evil beings posing as teachers, he realizes someone must take a stand. But challenging the the god of sports, the goddess of fashion, and the god of so-called music unleashes otherworldly resistance, bringing chaos to Eastward High. Cliques are transcended, and jocks become nerds as the very fabric of reality unravels.
In this thoughtful and hilarious jab at high school life, national award-winning storyteller, Stephen Gashler, questions what it means to be “cool”.
Why bring it to your stage?
A teen-centered musical that lets students play school life, status, awkwardness, and courage from the inside.
- Many student-friendly roles
- Flexible ensemble of cliques and school groups
- Useful for casts with comic timing and big personalities
At a glance
- Cast
- 10+ actors
- Runtime
- ≈ 2 hours
- Best for
- High school casts; Large teen ensembles; Retro comedy audiences
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Music
- High-energy rock-opera structure with retro pop and character-driven solos.
- Content rating
- PG (appropriate for children)
- Content notes
- Teen clique satire, social pressure, fantasy conflict, and school comedy. Especially useful for student performers.
- Staging
- Low-to-moderate tech: school locations, bold costumes, and energetic movement do most of the work.
- Accompaniment
- Recorded rehearsal and performance tracks included with a standard musical license.
Characters & casting
17 listed roles / role groups; 10+ actors. See the script for doubling and ensemble details.
- Cheerleaders / girls chorus
- female, high school students, athletic, peppy.
- Coolar
- male, the chief of the gods of cool, rapper, his aim is to control all high school students and define what is cool.
- Cynthia
- female, high school student, cheerleader, flirtatious, has a crush on football player Doug Rock. She has a deeper personality than how she appears on the surface level.
- Doug
- male, high school student, captain of the football team. At first he's influenced by Sportacus and the gods of cool, but he breaks out of their control with help from Gideon.
- Dwight
- male, high school student, one of Gideon's best friends, nerdy, skeptical, sarcastic, but also loyal when he is willing to forgive.
- Gideon
- male, high school student, starts as nerdy and antisocial but eventually transcends cliques and finds courage as he discovers and challenges the gods.
- Joan
- female, high school student, student body president, popular, under the influence of the gods of cool. Appearing cool is extremely important to her.
- Jocks
- male and female, members of Eastward and Westward high football teams. As worshippers of Sportacus, sports are their lives, and they're always ready to fight for glory.
- Kimberly
- female, high school student, under the influence of the gods of cool, best friend of Joan. Appearing cool is extremely important to her.
- Kyle
- male, high school student, football player, best friend of Doug to begin with, eventually becoming Gideon's arch rival, selfish, tough, eager to put himself above others, especially nerds, under the influence of the gods of cool.
- Ms. Primple
- female, goddess of fashion disguised as a high school teacher. Her aim is to control all high school students and define what is cool, particularly when in comes to fashion.
- Musa
- female, teacher, goddess of music disguised as a high school teacher. Her aim is to control all high school students and define what is cool, particularly when it comes to music.
- Nerds
- male and female, lowest on the scale of popularity and coolness, awkward, clumsy, but smart.
- Nerdacus
- male, teacher, god of nerds, neurotic, obsessed with all things nerdy, serves with the gods of cool to try to convince nerds to stick to their clique.
- Norma
- female, goddess of normality disguised as a school administrator, aims to keep things normal and doesn't like it when Gideon acts spontaneously, works under Coolar.
- Sportacus/Coach John
- male, god of sports disguised as a football coach. His aim is to control all high school students and define what is cool, particularly when it comes to sports.
- Wanda
- female, high school student, one of Gideon's best friends, big heart, nerdy, has a crush on Gideon. She wants to help Gideon but puts her foot down when she knows she is being used and unappreciated.
Plan your license
- Base license, 3 performances
- $549
Estimated license$549
Digital script, score, recorded tracks, and available production artwork included. USD.
Taking this to your team?
Bring the story, production needs, samples, and licensing price to your season meeting.
Open the director packetGet to know the show
High-energy rock-opera structure with retro pop and character-driven solos.
Full digital materials are delivered after payment. Peruse the script and score for your cast's vocal ranges and your community's content standards.
What audiences say
Gideon Vs. the Gods of Cool
65 reviews
The costumes were phenomenal! They looked like they cost so much money! I love the detail of the 'T' on different pieces and using the school colors for jocks and cheerleaders! There were so many small moments from actors that made the show! I was entertained at all times, no matter who I looked at! You can tell the cast and crew love what they're doing! I LOVED it!!!
The show was fun to watch. All the cast did an amazing job and I really loved that the fourth wall was broken, and the audience was able to participate.
On time great experiences
This musical was really enjoyable, with solid performances and catchy songs. It was a fun show!
I laughed an absolute ton. Also, so many of the vocals were stunning.
I loved bringing my family to this well-written, hilarious comedy that had all the classic 80s tropes and nostalgic music that a child from the 80s could appreciate, with an interesting story and humor accessable to my kids, all in a good, clean package and a positive vibe that is missing in so much of modern theater. Looking forward to continuing to supporting what is happening at The Angelus!
Go Back to High School with Great Hall Theatrical’s Gideon Versus the Gods of Cool
The confetti cannons and psychedelic lights add to the magic and are an excellent final touch.
Alayna Een and Eliza Een, Front Row Reviewers
Read the reviewOn stage: production photos & video
Production questions?
Ask about casting, vocal requirements, staging, or the rights your production needs.
Licensing essentials
Standard licenses include three public performances and digital materials. Additional performances are calculated in your estimate. Invoice and purchase-order requests are welcome.
Payment, delivery, refunds, and special rights