Overview

Synopsis

Juno, a 1959 musical with music and lyrics by Marc Blitzstein and book by Joseph Stein, is based on Seán O'Casey's play Juno and the Paycock. Set in Dublin during the Irish Civil War in the early 1920s, the story follows the Boyle family as they navigate poverty, political turmoil, and personal struggles. The matriarch, Juno Boyle, is a resilient and pragmatic woman who holds her family together despite her husband Jack's (known as "Captain" Boyle) irresponsibility and penchant for drinking. Their children, Johnny, a wounded Irish Republican Army veteran, and Mary, a spirited young woman on strike with her trade union, face their own challenges as the family grapples with societal unrest and economic hardship. The musical blends humor, tragedy, and Irish cultural elements, with Juno's strength serving as the emotional core.

The plot thickens when the Boyles learn they are to inherit a substantial sum from a deceased relative, sparking hope and dreams of a better life. Jack indulges in reckless spending, boasting to friends and neglecting his responsibilities, while Juno cautiously hopes for stability. Mary, meanwhile, falls in love with Charlie Bentham, a charming lawyer who promises a brighter future but whose intentions are questionable. As the family plans around the expected windfall, tensions rise with Johnny's secretive involvement in IRA activities, which puts him at odds with the authorities and his own safety. The promise of wealth brings temporary joy but also exposes the fragility of the family's dynamics and the harsh realities of their circumstances.

The final act delivers a devastating blow when the inheritance falls through due to a legal technicality, shattering the Boyles' dreams. Charlie abandons Mary, leaving her pregnant and heartbroken, while Johnny faces dire consequences for his political actions, further fracturing the family. Juno, despite her own grief, emerges as the pillar of strength, resolving to move forward and support Mary in raising her child. The musical concludes on a bittersweet note, emphasizing Juno's resilience against the backdrop of loss and societal upheaval. Through its poignant narrative and evocative score, Juno explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

Show Information

Book
Joseph Stein
Music
Marc Blitzstein
Lyrics
Marc Blitzstein
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1959
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period
Time & Place
Dublin, 1921
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Ideal For
Community Theatre, College/University, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast

Lead Characters

Context

Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Juno Boyle

Lead

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

"Captain" Jack Boyle

Lead

Male

Baritone

Jerry Devine

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Charlie Bentham

Supporting

Male

Tenor

"Joxer" Daly

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Mary Boyle

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Johnny Boyle

Supporting

Male

Mrs. Brady

Featured

Female

Mrs. Tancred

Featured

Female

Molly

Featured

Female

Miss Quinn

Featured

Female

Paddy Coyne

Featured

Male

Foley

Featured

Male

Michael Brady

Featured

Male

Mrs. Madigan

Featured

Female

Mrs. Coyne

Featured

Female

"Needle" Nugent

Featured

Male

IRA Singer

Featured

Male

Tenor, Baritone

Furniture Removal Man

Featured

Male

Sullivan

Featured

Male

Songs

Act One

  • We're Alive – Ensemble
  • I Wish It So – Mary Boyle
  • Song of the Ma – Juno Boyle
  • We Can Be Proud – Foley, Sullivan, Michael Brady and Paddy Coyne
  • Daarlin' Man – "Captain" Jack Boyle, "Joxer" Daly and Ensemble
  • One Kind Word – Jerry Devine
  • Old Sayin's – Juno Boyle and "Captain" Jack Boyle
  • What Is The Stars – "Captain" Jack Boyle and "Joxer" Daly
  • Old Sayin's (Reprise) – Juno Boyle and "Captain" Jack Boyle
  • You Poor Thing – Mrs. Madigan, Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Coyne and Miss Quinn
  • Dublin Night – Johnny Boyle, Molly and Ensemble
  • My True Heart – Mary Boyle and Charlie Bentham
  • On a Day Like This – Juno Boyle, "Captain" Jack Boyle and Ensemble

Act Two

  • Bird Upon the Tree – Juno Boyle and Mary Boyle
  • Music in the House – "Captain" Jack Boyle and Ensemble
  • The Liffy Waltz – Ensemble
  • Hymn – I. R. A. Singer
  • Johnny – Johnny Boyle and Molly
  • You Poor Thing (Reprise) – Mrs. Madigan, Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Coyne and Miss Quinn
  • For Love – Mary Boyle
  • One Kind Word (Reprise) – Jerry Devine
  • Where? – Juno Boyle

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.

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Scenes

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