Overview
Synopsis
The Apple Tree is three one-act musicals that can be presented separately or in any combination to provide a full evening of entertainment. The first act is The Diary of Adam and Eve. Adapted from Mark Twain’s Extracts From Adam’s Diary, this story takes a look at the relationship troubles of the first couple on Earth. The second act is The Lady or the Tiger? Based on the story by Frank R. Stockton, this mythical story investigates forbidden love. The third act is Passionella. Based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella story, this fairy tale explores the meaning of true love. From the songwriting team that brought you Fiddler on the Roof and She Loves Me, The Apple Tree features a small cast, catchy music, and three delightful stories about the fickleness of love.
This guide is based on the 2006 Broadway revival of The Apple Tree. Actors are often double or triple cast, playing multiple roles throughout the acts. The suggested size of the ensemble is 8; however, this can be expanded or reduced as necessary.
Show Information
- Book
- Jerry Bock , Sheldon Harnick , Jerome Coopersmith
- Music
- Jerry Bock
- Lyrics
- Sheldon Harnick
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on stories by Mark Twain, Frank R. Stockton and Jules Feiffer
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1966
- Genres
- Comedy, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
- Settings
- Fantasy/Imaginary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- The Garden of Eden, Barbarian Kingdom, and London
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Community Theatre, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
The Diary of Adam and Eve
- Here in Eden - Eve
- Feelings - Eve
- Eve - Adam
- Friends - Eve
- The Apple Tree (Forbidden Fruit) - Snake
- Beautiful, Beautiful World - Adam
- It's a Fish - Adam
- Go to Sleep, Whatever You Are - Eve
- What Makes Me Love Him? - Eve
The Lady or the Tiger?
- I'll Tell You a Truth - Balladeer
- Make Way - King Arik & Court
- Forbidden Love (in Gaul) - Princess Barbara & Sanjar
- The Apple Tree Reprise - Balladeer
- I've Got What You Want - Princess Barbara
- Tiger, Tiger - Princess Barbara
- Make Way (Reprise) - King’s Court
- Which Door? - Company
- I'll Tell You a Truth (Reprise) - Balladeer
Passionella
- Oh, to Be a Movie Star - Ella
- Gorgeous - Passionella
- (Who, Who, Who, Who) Who Is She? - Company
- Wealth - Passionella
- You Are Not Real - Flip & Company
- George L. - Ella and George
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
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.