Overview
Synopsis
Based on Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel of the same name, High Fidelity focuses on Rob, the thirty-something owner of a struggling record shop. He has mastered the art of finding rare vinyl and losing girlfriends. His sweetheart Laura just dumped him, and Rob struggles to be honest with himself about exactly why his latest relationship went awry. Could it be that she is simply another woman to abandon him? Or could it be that he slept with another woman while Laura was pregnant…and he still owes her $4,000?! If Rob is going to be able to move forward with his life, he needs to learn how to change and how to let go. Then maybe, just maybe, he might be able to win back the love of his life. Featuring a fun rock-and-roll score, this homage to music geek culture explores love, heartbreak, and the perfect soundtrack.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act One
- The Last Real Record Store – Rob, Pale Young Men, Dick, Barry
- Desert Island Top 5 Break-Ups – Rob, Top 5 Girls
- It's No Problem – Dick
- She Goes – Liz, Rob
- Ian's Here – Ian, Laura
- Number Five with a Bullet – Laura, Top 5 Girls
- Ready to Settle – Marie, Back-Up Singer
- Terrible Things – Marie
- The Last Real Record Store (Reprise) – Barry, Dick, Rob, Pale Young Men
- Nine Percent Chance – Rob, Barry, Dick, Pale Young Men
Act Two
- I Slept with Someone – Rob, Laura
- Exit Sign – Neil
- Cryin' in the Rain – Rob, Top 5 Girls
- Conflict Resolution – Rob, Dick, Barry, Pale Young Men, Company
- Goodbye and Good Luck – Bruce, Rob
- It's No Problem (Reprise) – Dick Anna
- Ian's Prayer – Ian
- Laura, Laura – Rob
- Saturday Night Girl – The Skids
- Turn the World Off (And Turn You On) – Barry, Tmpmitw, Klepto Boy, Rob, Laura, Liz, 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.
Monologues
Scenes
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.
An Italian term instructing the accompanist to follow the soloist’s tempo closely, common in expressive musical theatre.
A non-literal theatrical scene representing a character's inner thoughts, fears, or desires, often surreal in style.
Rock and roll is a musical genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s, combining rhythm and blues with country and gospel influences. Characterized by strong beats, electric guitars, and youthful energy, it quickly became a symbol of rebellion and change. In theatre, rock and roll often represents social upheaval, generational conflict, and the rise of new cultural voices.
A rock musical is a form of musical theatre that incorporates the rhythms, instrumentation, and energy of rock-and-roll into its score. Emerging in the late 1960s with shows like Hair, rock musicals often bring a contemporary, rebellious edge to the stage. They blend theatrical storytelling with the raw power of popular music to attract younger and more diverse audiences.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher