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| A show full of gaiety & excitement highlighting the moving story of composer Stephen Foster. Set between 1860 & 1864 |
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Book by Peter Quartermain
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Foster
Musical Arrangements & New Numbers by Alan Leigh
New & Revised Lyrics by Olga Lowe |
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'Oh Susanna' tells the story of Stephen Foster's life in new York between the years 1860 & 1864, set in and around the 'Star Of New York'. The musical deals with three different love stories - that of Stephen and his wife Jeanie, Susanna [owner of the 'Star'] and the flamboyant George Cooper [nicknamed Beau] and the two young minstrel performers Frank and Annie.
Performing at the 'Star' is the minstrel show of one John Marshall Burk, rival to the great Christy Minstrels. The story is told in flashback, beginning with a scene between Susanna and Molly, the audience are aware that tragedy has struck, but the details are withheld. Susanna remembers, and we return to 1860. The 'Star' is in chaos, Burk's Minstrels are preparing for their opening night - into the middle of this comes the great composer Stephen Foster. As Act I progresses the lives and loves of the main characters become uncovered and develop. At the same time we are aware of the coming to power of Abraham Lincoln and of an America torn over the abolition of slavery. Act I closes with the wedding of Frank and Annie, during which Beau brings the news that the South has attacked the North.
Act II sees America in the state of Civil War. Frank now runs the Minstrel Show, Beau is fighting for his ideals and Stephens marriage has come to an end. Susanna brings about a brief reconciliation between Stephen and his wife. Beau returns before joining the forces, who are to meet at Gettysburg. Stephen's health finally deteriorates and we see him during the last days of his life penniless and disillusioned. The last scene brings Beau, recently back from the front, with an account of Stephen's death. He exits to cable Stephen's family and we find ourselves back at the start of the play. As the lines of the Prologue are spoken, a new meaning is given to them. The show is full of gaiety and excitement, highlighting the sad and moving story of one of the world's most popular composers. |
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| Synopsis of Scenes |
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| ACT I |
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| Scene 1 |
'Star Of New York' - 13th January 1864 |
| Scene 2 |
The Same - Late 1860 |
| Scene 3 |
Outside the 'Star' (Cloth) - That evening |
| Scene 4 |
Inside the 'Star' - A few minutes later |
| Scene 5 |
Outside the 'Star' - A short time afterwards |
| Scene 6 |
Inside the 'Star' - A few minutes later |
| Scene 7 |
A Street in New York (Cloth) - From 20th Dec. 1860 to 4th March 1861 |
| Scene 8 |
Terrace of Susanna's house - 15th April 1861 |
| Scene 9 |
Conservatory (Cloth) - A few minutes later |
| Scene 10 |
Aged The Terrace - A few minutes later |
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| ACT II |
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| Scene 1 |
New York Flower Market - Summer 1861 |
| Scene 2 |
Street in New York (Cloth) - April 1862 |
| Scene 3 |
Inside the 'Star' - July 1862 |
| Scene 4 |
Outside the 'Star' - Late June 1863 |
| Scene 5 |
Inside the 'Star' - A few moments later |
| Scene 6 |
Outside the 'Star'- A few hours later |
| Scene 7 |
Inside the 'Star' - A little later |
| Scene 8 |
The Same - 9th January 1864 |
| Scene 9 |
The Same - 14th January 1864 |
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| CAST |
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| Susanna Beauvoir |
Sophisticated leading Lady. Aged about 40. Strong Acting. (Soprano) |
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| Molly (Her Maid) |
Sensitive Acting. (Mezzo) |
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| Frank Hall |
Song & Dance Man. Juvenile Lead. Good dance skills. (Light Baritone) |
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| Joe |
A Negro working as a handyman at the 'Star'. Principal singing role. (Bass) |
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| Annie Moore |
Juvenile lead (Soprano) |
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| John Marshall Burk |
Strong Acting. (Baritone) |
| Stephen Collins Foster |
The Composer. A Sensitive actor with strong emotional range (Baritone) |
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| George 'Beau' Cooper |
A Poet. Stephen's best friend and lyric writer. Romantic lead. George must be very handsome in his early 20's with great charm. (Tenor/High Baritone) |
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| Jane 'Jeanie' Foster |
Stephen's wife. A gentle, waif like character with light brown hair. Sensitive actress. Non-singing role. |
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| Smaller Non-Singing Roles |
Wally, Pianist At The Star
Doris & Emma, Dancers
Eddie Wilson, Stage Manager
Brennan, Manager At The Star
News Boy
Old Flower Seller
Mouth Organ Player
Three Maids |
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| Chorus Of |
Cleaners / Customers / Waiters / Minstrels / Wedding Guests / Flower Sellers / Soldiers/ People of New York. |
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| Musical Numbers |
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| Beautiful Dreamer / Dear Old Joe / Nelly Bligh / The Glendy Burk / My Old Kentucky Home / Camptown Races / Will You be Mine, Love / There's A Good Time Coming / Gentle Anne / Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming / Ah, May The Red Rose Live Always / Old Folks At Home / Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair / Old Dog Tray / Oh Susanna / Minstrels On Parade / The Battle Hymn Of The American Republic. |
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| Orchestral Breakdown |
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| 1st & 2nd Trumpet / Piano / Trombone / Cello / 1st & 2nd Clarinet (doubling Oboe & Bass Clarinet) / Flute (doubling Piccolo) / Two 1st Violins / Two 2nd Violins / Double Bass 9doubling Banjo) / Drums |
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| Disclaimer |
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| Reading copies are available on loan but please note all our scripts are copyrighted. Once you have been issued with a licence scripts can be purchased from us and we will be pleased to assist you with any queries you may have re staging, costuming etc |
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