Historical (American) Musical
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2404
Printed Date: 11/26/24 at 8:19am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Historical (American) Musical
Posted By: Dakin
Subject: Historical (American) Musical
Date Posted: 5/18/07 at 9:52am
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Our group was planning to perform "1776" and "The Complete History of America (abridged)" as part of the Town's Jamestown 400 celebrations this summer. We are having problems find enough interested men to fill the roles for 1776 and are searching for an alternative that will fit in with the theme of American History. A musical would be preferable. Any suggestions would be most welcome! |
Replies:
Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 5/18/07 at 12:18pm
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Quilters. All female cast. I believe it revolves around the settlement of the American west or midwest. I think you can find it at Samuel French at http://www.samuelfrench.com - www.samuelfrench.com . Be advised that a cast recording does not exist for it.
------------- BD 
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: Dakin
Date Posted: 5/18/07 at 3:15pm
Thanks for the suggestion. It would be a good idea since we seem to have an easier time casting women than men. Unfortunately on looking around online a lot of people seem to find it boring and our director concurs  All the best! |
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 5/19/07 at 1:14am
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"Tintypes" is a great musical with a small cast, dealing with the American experience.
You can learn more here: http://www.nodanw.com/shows_t/tintypes.htm ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: Dakin
Date Posted: 5/19/07 at 10:12am
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Heh ... I know I'm beginning to sound difficult but we did Tintypes a few seasons ago :) but many thanks for the suggestion it is much appreciated. I'm not a performer in our group but I've been involved long enough to know the artistic types don't like to revisit old ground ... especially so recently. All the best! |
Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 5/20/07 at 7:10am
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"Ragtime" - big musical with lots of female and male roles (interracial requirements)
"George M!" - though not specifically patriotic story, there are LOTS of patriotic songs - and terrific if you have tap dancers! "Will Rogers Follies" - again, not a specifically patriotic show, but all about a super-patriotic characer (oh - LOL - by the way, I've been involved in three productions of "Quilters" - boring? Not even close! LOL 
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Posted By: neilfortin
Date Posted: 5/21/07 at 3:36pm
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Definitely take a look at Ragtime, one of the best shows out there with rousing music and a great costume display/set that can EASILY be simplified. One point of interest it needs an interracial cast, and a set of very STRONG voices!! ------------- Community Theater makes us smile |
Posted By: red diva
Date Posted: 5/22/07 at 9:26am
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I agree with tristanrobin totally. If done well, Quilters is a lovely, lovely show. It can be almost balletic (without the dancing). It is dark in places, but not depressing, which is how life is both today and in the pioneer days that it depicts.
But only do it if you can cast women who are equally strong. ------------- "I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!" |
Posted By: Shatcher
Date Posted: 5/22/07 at 1:28pm
| I belive there is a pretty new play out there about Lewis & Clark, saw it last summer in Omaha, NE L&C country |
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 5/23/07 at 3:58pm
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There's a little-known musical about settlers in an early-American territory:
Um, I think it's called "Oklahoma!" or something. ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: Nanette
Date Posted: 5/23/07 at 11:27pm
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A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas is a good "Americana" holiday show. ------------- In a world of margarine, be butter! |