Overview
Synopsis
Allegro is a classic example of a musical ahead of its time! The ensemble show chronicles nearly four decades in the life of an average American, Joseph Taylor, Jr. We follow his journey from cradle through a mid-life crisis and the knowledge of his wife's infidelity. Slowly, he discovers who he is and the meaning of life. The original 1947 Broadway production of Allegro was the first musical to be staged by a director who also served as choreographer (Agnes de Mille).
Show Information
- Book
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- Music
- Richard Rodgers
- Lyrics
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1947
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- 1905-1930s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Ensemble Cast, Regional Theatre, Religious Groups, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
Songs
Act One
- "Overture" - Orchestra
- "Joseph Taylor, Jr." – Ensemble
- "I Know It Can Happen Again" – Grandma Taylor
- "Pudgy Legs" - Ensemble
- "One Foot, Other Foot" – Ensemble
- "Children's Dance" - Orchestra with Children
- "Grandmother's Death: I Know It Can Happen Again (Reprise)" - Grandma Taylor
- "Winters Go By" - Ensemble
- "Poor Joe" - Ensemble
- "Diploma" - Ensemble
- "A Fellow Needs a Girl" – Dr. Taylor and Marjorie Taylor
- "Dance: Freshmen Get Together" – Orchestra with Ensemble
- "A Darn Nice Campus" – Joe Taylor
- "Wildcats" – Ensemble and Joe Taylor
- "Jennie Reads Letter: A Darn Nice Campus (Reprise)" - Jennie Brinker
- "Scene of Professors" - Professors, Joe Taylor, Jennie Brinker, and Ensemble
- "So Far" – Beulah
- "You Are Never Away" – Joe Taylor and Ensemble
- "You Are Never Away (Encore)" - Joe Taylor and Ensemble
- "Poor Joe (Reprise)" - Ensemble
- "What a Lovely Day for a Wedding" – Ensemble and Mr. Brinker
- "It May Be a Good Idea for Joe" – Charlie Townsend
- "Finale Act I: I Know It Can Happen Again/To Have and To Hold/Wish Them Well" - Ensemble
Act Two
- "Entr'acte" - Orchestra
- "Money Isn't Everything" – Jennie Brinker and Other Wives
- "Dance: Money Isn't Everything" - Orchestra
- "Poor Joe (Reprise)" - Ensemble
- "You Are Never Away (Reprise)" - Joe Taylor
- "A Fellow Needs a Girl (Reprise)" - Majorie Taylor
- "Ya-ta-ta" – Charlie Townsend and Ensemble
- "The Gentleman Is a Dope" – Emily
- "Allegro" – Charlie Townsend, Joe Taylor, Emily and Ensemble
- "Allegro" Ballet - Orchestra with Ensemble
- "Come Home" – Marjorie Taylor and Ensemble
- "Finale Ultimo: Ya-ta-ta/Come Home/One Foot, Other Foot" – Ensemble
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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