Overview

Synopsis

With biting dialogue and piercing wit, On Approval follows the misadventures of two people and their respective objects of affection. The young heiress Helen is in love with the arrogant Duke George, whose friend Richard has been in love with the fussy widow Maria for 20 years. Ever clinical when it comes to matters of love, Maria agrees to spend a few months on her Scottish island with Richard to test their compatibility. The womanizing George decides to follow with Helen. In the crucible of faux marriage, things take a turn when Richard and Helen both discover new sides to their prospective lovers. With four richly-crafted characters, On Approval is an appealing ensemble drawing room comedy with themes that still ring true decades after its publication.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1926
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A house on a Scottish island., 1920s
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Maria Wislack

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Helen Hayle

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Richard Halton

Lead

Male

Non-singer

George, The Duke of Bristol

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A type of play developed during the Victorian period that takes place in a drawing room, a room in a home where guests are entertained (such as a living room).

    The title given to a male member of royalty or nobility ranked below a prince and a grand duke.

    When a company gives a customer merchandise to use or inspect on a trial basis, with the option to buy it or return it without payment.

    A derogatory term for someone who makes a profit through unethical or illegal means.

    Sometimes also known as the “Queen’s English”. Clear, precise diction without any regional quirks or dialects.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright