Overview
Synopsis
Dessa Rose is the story of pride, perseverance, and the unlikely friendship forged between an abandoned southern belle and a rebellious slave girl escaping the repressive South. The southern belle, Ruth, finds herself living by herself after her husband, Bertie, abandons her. She then allows runaway slaves to live and work on her farm - including Dessa Rose known as the ‘Devil Woman’ since she killed her master and led a slave rebellion. Over time, Ruth forges a close relationship with the slaves and even strikes a romance with one of them, Nathan. Finally, Ruth agrees to help the slaves escape from the south to become free.
Show Information
- Book
- Lynn Ahrens
- Music
- Stephen Flaherty
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- Genres
- Cast Size
- large
- Ideal For
- Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
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Supporting |
Male |
Bass |
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Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Songs
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
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Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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