Overview
Synopsis
Pal Joey follows smooth-talking, cocky anti-hero Joey Evans as he worms his way into owning his own nightclub. Along the way, Joey juggles the affections of many women, including Linda English, a naive young woman, and Vera Simpson, a wealthy, married socialite. Vera begins to bankroll Joey’s new club, Chez Joey, until a crooked agent, Ludlow Lowell and his sidekick chorus girl, Gladys Bumps, threaten to tell Vera’s husband about her affair. Joey finally gets a taste of his own medicine when Vera dumps him and cuts the funding for his club. Linda hopes to win Joey’s heart, now that he is newly single, but unfortunately can’t keep the playboy tied down. Joey lands on his feet, not learning anything from his fall from grace, and continues his scheming ways.
Pal Joey is the penultimate collaboration of Rodger and Hart, and the first musical to feature an anti-hero lead. With classic songs like “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”, Pal Joey is a great addition to any theatre season. This guide is based on the original 1940’s book of Pal Joey available for licensing through Concord Theatricals.
Show Information
- Book
- John O'Hara
- Music
- Richard Rodgers
- Lyrics
- Lorenz Hart
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the novel Pal Joey by John O'Hara
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1940
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Chicago, 1930s
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Heavy
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act I
- "A Great Big Town” - Joey
- “You Mustn't Kick It Around" – Joey and Chorus Girls
- “You Mustn’t Kick It Around - Encore” - Gladys and Chorus Girls
- "I Could Write a Book" – Joey and Linda
- "A Great Big Town - Reprise" –Chorus Girls
- "That Terrific Rainbow" – Gladys and Chorus Girls
- "What Is a Man?" – Vera
- "Happy Hunting Horn" – Joey and Chorus Girls
- "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" – Vera
- "Pal Joey (What Do I Care for a Dame?)" – Joey
- *”Joey Looks to the Future Ballet” - Company
Act II
- "The Flower Garden of My Heart" – Louis and Chorus Girls
- "Zip" – Melba
- "Plant You Now, Dig You Later" – Ludlow, Gladys, and Chorus Girls
- "In Our Little Den (of Iniquity)" – Vera and Joey
- *"Do It the Hard Way" – Ludlow, Gladys and Chorus Girls
- "Take Him" – Vera, Linda
- *”Take Him (Dance)” - Joey, Vera, Linda
- "Bewitched (Reprise)” – Vera
- "I Could Write a Book" (Reprise) – Joey and 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.