Overview
Synopsis
Set during the Trojan War, By Jupiter takes place in the kingdom of the Amazons, a society where women hold power and men take on subservient roles. The comic premise is built around the gender reversal: the warrior women dominate politics, the military, and society, while their husbands and lovers are expected to stay home and obey. The story follows Theseus and his fellow Greeks as they arrive among the Amazons, expecting to conquer them, only to be thrown into humorous turmoil when confronted with the society’s inverted norms. The Greek men find themselves bewildered by the women’s authority, sparking witty conflicts, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements.
At the heart of the story is Sapiens, a bumbling but good-hearted male who is kept as a sort of mascot among the Amazons. His comic misadventures and eventual rise to confidence give the show its charm. Romantic subplots intertwine, particularly involving Antiope, Queen of the Amazons, who develops feelings for Theseus, setting up a clash between duty, love, and custom. The musical satirizes both ancient myth and modern gender politics with Lorenz Hart’s witty lyrics and Rodgers’ playful score. Ultimately, the tale resolves with a balance of affections and alliances, reminding audiences that love and laughter triumph even in the midst of war.
Show Information
Context
When By Jupiter opened on Broadway in 1942, America was in the midst of World War II, and audiences craved lighthearted entertainment. Rodgers and Hart, already one of Broadway’s most celebrated songwriting teams, sought to provide laughter through satire rather than escapist fantasy. The show marked the pair’s last full-length collaboration, as Lorenz Hart’s declining health led Rodgers to partner with Oscar Hammerstein II shortly afterward. The script, crafted by the legendary
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Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A musical with a well-structured narrative that integrates songs, dialogue, and dance to advance plot and character development.
A character foil is one whose traits contrast with another character, thereby highlighting qualities in both. In No, No, Nanette, Sue’s strict propriety serves as a foil to Nanette’s youthful desire for freedom, emphasizing the tension between tradition and independence. The use of foils helps dramatists reveal character differences without lengthy exposition.
Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated situations, improbable coincidences, mistaken identities, and rapid pacing. It often includes physical humor such as slamming doors, frantic chases, or characters hiding in plain sight. Farce is designed to generate nonstop laughter, often prioritizing chaos and absurdity over realistic storytelling.
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Slapstick is a type of physical comedy that relies on exaggerated actions, pratfalls, and humorous accidents to provoke laughter. It often includes broad movements, funny sound effects, and comic violence, such as someone slipping on a banana peel or being hit with a harmless object. The style originated in commedia dell’arte and became popular in vaudeville, silent film, and stage comedy.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Gender Role Reversal
The central comic
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