Overview
Synopsis
Originally based on Phil Strong’s novel of the same name, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair was the only musical they wrote directly for feature film. In 1995, this romantic story set in America’s heartland was adapted for the stage, featuring additional songs from the Rodgers and Hammerstein songbook. State Fair follows the Frake family’s journey from their farm to the three-day 1946 Iowa State Fair. Ma and Pop are intent on winning prizes for their accomplishments in hog raising and mincemeat cooking, while their children Margy and Wayne have romantic adventures ahead of them. As Margy and Wayne find love and heartbreak on the midway, they discover what they find most important and carry home lessons on love and life that will sustain them long after the State Fair. Features an Academy Award-winning score, including the hit song, “It Might as Well Be Spring.”
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Characters
Showing 8 of 24 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in State Fair.
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Songs
*before song when it is a dance number, *before character name that only dances in a song that is sung by other characters
Act I
- Opening—Abel Frake, Melissa Frake and Wayne Frake
- It Might as Well Be Spring -- Margy Frake
- Driving at Night/Our State Fair -- Abel Frake, Melissa Frake, Wayne Frake, Margy Frake and Company
- That's for Me -- Wayne Frake
- More Than Just a Friend -- Abel Frake, Hank Munson, Lem, and Clay
- Isn't It Kinda Fun? -- Pat Gilbert and Margy Frake
- Isn't It Kinda Fun? (Reprise) -- Margy Frake
- You Never Had It So Good -- Emily Arden and Fairtones
- It Might as Well Be Spring (Reprise) -- Margy Frake
- When I Go Out Walking With My Baby -- Abel Frake and Melissa Frake
- So Far -- Wayne Frake and Emily Arden
- *It's a Grand Night for Singing -- Company
Act Two
- Man I Used to Be -- Pat Gilbert, Vivian, and Jeanne
- *All I Owe Ioway -- Abel Frake and Company
- Man I Used to Be (Reprise) -- Pat Gilbert
- *That's the Way It Happens -- Emily Arden and Fairtones
- *Boys and Girls Like You and Me -- Abel Frake and Melissa Frake
- Next Time It Happens -- Margy Frake
- *Finale Ultimo -- Company
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.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
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