Overview
Synopsis
In the mid-1980s, a wave of families moved from the city to the suburbs. While the parents were trying to leave the urban life behind, their kids still embraced hip hop and Yo MTV Raps! Two of those teens, Hank “John Henry” Charles and Julian “Vic Vicious” Hayes, are desperate to find their voices in the world of rap. Hank, while he can write some impressive rhymes, gets stage fright and only hears booing when he tries to perform. Julian has style and charisma, but only imitates the stars like Big Daddy Kane or LL Cool J. They join forces to create their own sound, but must also struggle with the prejudice against rap (especially in the suburbs) and their own personality conflicts. Add into the mix Luann, a rapper in the style of MC Lyte who can freestyle, but has to keep her skills a secret from her family. And their story is presided over by The Selector, a narrator in the style of an underground DJ and MC, guiding the teens and audience through the history and development of rap and hip hop, from the cities to the suburbs. A masterpiece from Idris Goodwin, How We Got On pays homage to rap and the young people finding their voices through beats and rhymes.
Show Information
- Book
- Idris Goodwin
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2012
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Simple/No Set, Contemporary
- Time & Place
- 1988, Midwest Suburb
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Playscripts, inc
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Late Teen, Early Teen, Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
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:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress