Overview
Synopsis
A Man of No Importance tells the story of Alfie Byrne, an Oscar Wilde-loving bus driver in 1960’s Dublin. Alfie’s passion is directing an amateur theatre troupe, the St. Imelda’s Players. The dedicated performers are determined to stage the controversial “Salome” at their local church. However, the play’s racy subject matter angers church authorities. In the process of fighting for the play, Alfie is finally forced to confront his own homosexuality and reveal his true self to those around him. A Man of No Importance is a great choice for a mostly male cast and requires all performers to use an Irish accent.
Show Information
- Book
- Terrence McNally
- Music
- Stephen Flaherty
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- 1964, Dublin, Ireland
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
ACT ONE
- A Man of No Importance - Alfie, Company
- The Burden of Life - Lily
- Going Up - Carney, The St. Imelda’s Players
- Princess - Adele
- First Rehearsal - Alfie, The St. Imelda’s Players
- The Streets of Dublin - Robbie, Company
- Books - Carney, Lily
- Man in the Mirror - Alfie, Oscar Wilde
- The Burden of Life (Reprise) - Lily
- Love Who You Love - Alfie
ACT TWO
- Our Father - Mrs. Patrick, Company
- Confession - Alfie, Robbie, Father Kenny
- The Cuddles Mary Gave - Baldy
- Art - Alfie, St. Imelda’s Players
- A Man of No Importance (Reprise) - Mrs. Patrick, Breton Beret, Sully
- Confusing Times - Carney
- Love Who You Love (Robbie’s Reprise) - Robbie
- Man in the Mirror (Reprise) - Oscar Wilde, Robbie, Company
- Tell Me Why - Lily
- A Man of No Importance (Reprise) - Company
- Love Who You Love (Adele’s Reprise) - Adele
- Welcome to the World - Alfie
- Poem - Alfie
- Love’s Never Lost - Company
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:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.