Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Thomas Meehan and Christopher Curtis’ musical tracks the life and changing fortunes of the famous silent movie star, Charlie Chaplin. In 1913, Chaplin arrived in Hollywood aged just 24 years old. He experienced a meteoric rise from an unknown, small-time London music hall performer to becoming one of the richest, most famous man in the movie business. His iconic role as The Little Tramp propelled him to stardom but fame and notoriety posed its own challenges for Chaplin. With three failed marriages, a paternity suit, and a ruthless journalist determined to expose him as a communist, Chaplin’s fall from grace was meteoric and he spent the remainder of his life exiled in Switzerland. Charlie Chaplin: The Musical moves backward and forward throughout time, exploring how Chaplin’s childhood and inner insecurities shaped Hollywood’s greatest star….and also created his biggest problems. Finally, he is able to escape his past with the help of one woman--Oona O’Neill. Her unconditional love and support allow Chaplin to truly be himself and let go of The Little Tramp.
Show Information
- Book
- Thomas Meehan , Christopher Curtis
- Music
- Christopher Curtis
- Lyrics
- Christopher Curtis
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2010
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy, Farce
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- London, America, 1900-1972
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Broadway Licensing
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Treble/Boy Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
Songs
Act One
*Overture/Prologue - Hannah; Oona; Sydney; Alf; Hedda; Max; Young Chaplin; Ensemble
Look at All the People - Hannah; Young Chaplin
Whatcha Gonna Do? - Charlie; Hannah; Jackie Coogan
If I Left London - Charlie; Sydney
Sennett Song - Charlie; Max
Look at All the People (Reprise)/Tramp Discovery - Charlie; Hannah; Ensemble
Tramp Shuffle - Part 1 - Charlie; Max; Usher
Tramp Shuffle - Part 2 - Charlie; Max; Usher
Life Can Be Like the Movies - Charlie; Sydney; Usher
The Look-A-Like Contest - Charlie; Hannah; Sydney; Alf
Act Two
*Just Another Day in Hollywood - Charlie; Alf; Hedda
The Life That You Wished For - Charlie
*All Falls Down - Hedda
Man of All Countries - Hedda; Max
What Only Love Can See - Charlie; Oona
The Exile - Hedda
Where Are All the People? - Charlie
What Only Love Can See (Reprise) - Charlie; Oona
This Man - Hannah; Oona; Sydney; Alf; Hedda; Max
Finale/Tramp Reprise - Hannah; Oona; Sydney; Alf; Hedda; Max; Ensembler
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
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher