Overview
Synopsis
In the midst of the Florida land boom, Mr. Schlemmer is trying desperately to run Cococanut Manor and put the moves on the wealthy Mrs. Potter. When Mrs. Potter’s necklace disappears, the suspects are drawn from Silent Sam and Willie, two vagabonds intent on stealing the hotel’s silverware, and Bob Adams, a hotel clerk in love with Mrs. Potter’s daughter, Polly. The Cocoanuts was written as a vehicle for the Marx Brothers and features the classic “Why a Duck?” routine.
Show Information
- Book
- George S. Kaufman
- Music
- Irving Berlin
- Lyrics
- Irving Berlin
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1925
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period
- Time & Place
- Cocoanut Manor, Florida, 1920s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
|
|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Silent |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
|
Female |
|
Songs
Act One
- "Florida By The Sea" - Bob, Jamison & the Company
- "The Bellhops" - The Bellboys
- "What A Family Reputation" - Bob, Polly & the Company
- "Lucky Boy" - Jamison, Bob & the Boys
- "Why Am I A Hit With The Ladies?" - Schlemmer & the Girls
- "A Little Bungalow" - Bob & Polly
- "Florida By The Sea (Reprise)" - Jamison & the Company
- "The Monkey-Doodle-Do" - Bob, Polly & the Company
- "Finelettto" - The Company
Act Two
- "Five O'clock Tea" - The Company
- "Everyone In The World Is Doing The Charleston" - Penelope & the Company
- "Always" - Bob & Polly
- "Tango Melody" - Penelope, Schlemmer & the Company
- "Piano Specialty" - Willie
- "The Tale Of A Shirt" - Hennessey & the Company
- "Finale" - The 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
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.