Cheaper by the Dozen

Play

Writers: Christopher Sergel

Overview

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
"Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1992
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The Gilbreth family living room in Montclair, New Jersey., 1920s
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Ensemble Cast
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes late teen, early teen, adult, child, mature adult characters

Synopsis

Cheaper by the Dozen is a stage adaptation of the novel about the real-life Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and their 12 children. The Gilbreths were pioneers in time and motion studies, which paved the way for modern-day ergonomics and efficiency studies. Christopher Sergel’s tender adaptation is equal parts memory play and family comedy, with appearances by 9 of the dozen children. Anchored by the memories of son Frank Jr. and daughter Ernestine, the ensemble play is a warm look at a little-known but seminal figure in history. The varying ages of the characters provide good acting opportunities for performers in a high school or community theatre setting, and the unit set and no costume changes provide for a technically easy production.

Lead Characters


Cheaper by the Dozen guide sections