Overview
Synopsis
Based on Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel of the same name, High Fidelity focuses on Rob, the thirty-something owner of a struggling record shop. He has mastered the art of finding rare vinyl and losing girlfriends. His sweetheart Laura just dumped him, and Rob struggles to be honest with himself about exactly why his latest relationship went awry. Could it be that she is simply another woman to abandon him? Or could it be that he slept with another woman while Laura was pregnant…and he still owes her $4,000?! If Rob is going to be able to move forward with his life, he needs to learn how to change and how to let go. Then maybe, just maybe, he might be able to win back the love of his life. Featuring a fun rock-and-roll score, this homage to music geek culture explores love, heartbreak, and the perfect soundtrack.
Show Information
- Book
- David Lindsay-Abaire
- Music
- Tom Kitt
- Lyrics
- Amanda Green
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- High Fidelity by Nick Hornby (1995)
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2006
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Brooklyn, Present Day
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Broadway Licensing
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act One
- The Last Real Record Store – Rob, Pale Young Men, Dick, Barry
- Desert Island Top 5 Break-Ups – Rob, Top 5 Girls
- It's No Problem – Dick
- She Goes – Liz, Rob
- Ian's Here – Ian, Laura
- Number Five with a Bullet – Laura, Top 5 Girls
- Ready to Settle – Marie, Back-Up Singer
- Terrible Things – Marie
- The Last Real Record Store (Reprise) – Barry, Dick, Rob, Pale Young Men
- Nine Percent Chance – Rob, Barry, Dick, Pale Young Men
Act Two
- I Slept with Someone – Rob, Laura
- Exit Sign – Neil
- Cryin' in the Rain – Rob, Top 5 Girls
- Conflict Resolution – Rob, Dick, Barry, Pale Young Men, Company
- Goodbye and Good Luck – Bruce, Rob
- It's No Problem (Reprise) – Dick Anna
- Ian's Prayer – Ian
- Laura, Laura – Rob
- Saturday Night Girl – The Skids
- Turn the World Off (And Turn You On) – Barry, Tmpmitw, Klepto Boy, Rob, Laura, Liz, 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
A play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
An indication to an accompanist carefully to take his tempos and rhythm from the soloist.
A series of events in a performance or piece of literature that are a dream experienced by one of the characters.
A type of popular dance music originating in the 1950s, characterized by a heavy beat and simple melodies.
A musical theatre work using rock music.
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