Overview
Synopsis
The story revolves around Horace J. Fletcher, the overly proud owner of the Fletcher American Cheese Co. Fletcher convinces the U.S. government to declare war on Switzerland as they are protesting a new bill imposing a fifty percent tariff on imported cheese. When you add in two pairs of star-crossed lovers, an overbearing mother, a suspicious government official, and a strange man who keeps popping up at random times, this 1920's political satire is a thoroughly cheesy romp!
Show Information
- Book
- George S. Kaufman
- Music
- George Gershwin
- Lyrics
- Ira Gershwin
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1927
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period
- Time & Place
- America, 1920s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
The original 1927 production was a critical success but a financial failure with audiences. It was less than 10 years since the end of World War One, and the idea of going to war with Switzerland over the price of cheese did not resonate with theatregoers. The show was therefore revamped in 1930, with an updated book by Morrie Ryskind (the "chocolate" version) and several new songs, including "Soon". Today, the 1927 version is licensed by MTI, using the original book and score with the option
to read the context for Strike Up the Band and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
Songs
Act One
- Overture
- Fletcher's American Cheese Choral Society - Timothy, Fletcher, Sloane, Ensemble
- 17 And 21 - Timothy, Anne
- A Typical Self-Made American - Fletcher, Jim, Ensemble
- Meadow Serenade - Jim, Joan
- The Unofficial Spokesman - Fletcher, Holmes, Ensemble
- Patriotic Rally - Ensemble
- The Man I Love - Joan, Jim
- Yankee Doodle Rhythm - Spelvin, Ensemble
- 17 And 21 (Reprise) - Mrs. Draper, Fletcher
- Finale Act I
- Strike Up The Band - Timothy, Ensemble
Act Two
- Oh This Is Such A Lovely War - Ensemble
- Come Look At The War Choral Society - Female ensemble
- Hoping That Someday You'd Care - Jim, Joan
- Military Dancing Drill - Timothy, Anne, Ensemble
- How About A Man? - Fletcher, Holmes, Mrs. Draper
- Finaletto Act II - Joan, Jim, Holmes, Sloane, Fletcher, Spelvin, Ensemble
- Homeward Bound - Ensemble
- The Girl I Love - Ensemble
- The War That Ended War - Ensemble
- Finale Ultimo - Jim, Joan, Fletcher, Ensemble
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
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.