I'm deciding whether I should write the next show for my youth theater (I have a truckload of ideas), or use another show.
I've written some fiction before but don't have much experience in playwriting. I like this idea because of flexibility.
If you think I should use a licensed show, I'm open to suggestions. I need a family-friendly play or musical with a cast of about 10-20 parts, mostly female, but could be as small or large as 6 or 25. I'd like to have a show with mostly main and supporting roles, not a lot of small parts, that has numerous parts that can be played by children. Running time anywhere from 45 minutes to 90. We have a small stage, so probably something without a lot of set changes.

Thanks for your input!
eCelia

While I'm all for writing one's own material--after all, I'm a playwright--I do think that if you've never written a play before, I'd give yourself some time to get up to speed and create material that's truly production worthy.  Once you've had time to write a script, rewrite it, and workshop it, then it's time to get it on its feet.  But racing to get something into production when you're brand new isn't something I would advise.

I'm not sure what age you mean when you say children, but at YouthPLAYS (www.youthplays.com) we have a number of plays that might suit your needs, depending on the age of your actors.  Pieces like Callan Stout's adaptation of The Jungle Book or D.W. Gregory's Miracle in Mudville might be good fits, but it would be easier to provide more specific recommendations with more info about the age range.

Best,
Jon