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Cheaper by the Dozen

Play

Overview

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.

Show Information

Based on
"Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
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, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Early Teen, Adult, Child, Mature Adult Characters

Characters

Showing 8 of 15 characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Cheaper by the Dozen.

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Monologues

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

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

    An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.

    A dramatic form where a character recalls past events, often blurring reality with subjective perception.

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright