State Fair

Musical

Writers: Tom Briggs Louis Mattioli Richard Rodgers Oscar Hammerstein II

Overview

Show Information

Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1995
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
the frake farm, iowa and the iowa state fair / 1946
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal for
Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, late teen, young adult, child characters

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.”

Lead Characters


State Fair guide sections