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Overview
Synopsis
At Paddy’s Bar in Harlem, an array of friends and neighbors gather to drink, laugh, and tell stories. Dockworker Bodiddly and his wife Arcie escape their 17 children, if only for a few hours. Watermelon Joe proclaims his undying affection for the independent and intimidating Mamie, who rebukes him every time. Bartender Hopkins listens to their troubles and cares, while the Pianist and Gitfiddle entertain the patrons. At the center of this activity is Jess Simple, a charming working-class fellow who is in love with Joyce Lane. But Jess has two problems: First, he hasn’t saved up enough money to divorce his first wife, whom he hasn’t seen in years. Second, he is the target of Zarita, the neighborhood barfly and party girl, whose charms and persuasions he finds irresistible.
Simply Heavenly is Langston Hughes’ comedic musical of Harlem life, first running Off-Broadway before a successful Broadway premiere, and then a transfer to the West End in 1958, with an acclaimed 2004 West End revival. Scored with music inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, blues, and big band, the company at Paddy’s Bar navigates their way through life, love, social justice, and any obstacle that comes their way. After all, when the music is hot and friends are together, life is always Simply Heavenly.
Show Information
- Book
- Langston Hughes
- Music
- David Martin
- Lyrics
- Langston Hughes
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the novel Simple Takes a Wife by Langston Hughes
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1957
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama
- Settings
- Multiple Settings, Period
- Time & Place
- 1950s Harlem
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Piano Only
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Early Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Female |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Silent |
Songs
- Prelude and Simply Heavenly - Joyce, Simple
- Let Me Take You for a Ride - Zarita, Simple
- Broken String Blues - Gitfiddle
- Flying Saucer Monologue - Simple
- Did You Ever Hear the Blues? - Mamie, Melon, Bar Patrons
- I’m Gonna Be John Henry - Simple
- When I’m in a Quiet Mood - Mamie, Melon
- Look for the Morning Star - Zarita
- I Want Someone to Come Home To - Joyce
- *Let’s Ball Awhile - Zarita and Company
- Beat It Out, Mon - Hopkins, Bar Patrons
- The Men in My Life - Zarita
- Good Old Girl - Mamie, Arcie, Madam Butler
- Mississippi Monologue and Finale - Simple
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:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress