Overview

Synopsis

Based on the film of the same name, King Kong follows Ann Darrow, an ambitious young actress and Carl Denham, a maverick producer as they travel from the tough streets of 1930s New York City to Skull Island to film the greatest movie the world will ever see. While on the mysterious island, the film team makes contact with King Kong, a 2,000- pound, 20- foot ape. As Carl pivots his focus from filmmaking to capturing the beast, Ann finds a surprising kindred spirit with Kong and is willing to risk everything to save him. With innovative robotics, puppetry, and stagecraft, King Kong is a musical spectacle that will leave audiences stunned.

Please note that this guide is based on the 2018 Broadway production of King Kong, not the 2013 Melbourne production.

Show Information

Book
Jack Thorne , Craig Lucas
Music
Marius de Vries
Lyrics
Michael Mitnick , Craig Lucas , Eddie Perfect
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Based on the 1933 film of the same name.
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2013
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Spectacle
Time & Place
New York and Skull Island, 1930s
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal For
Professional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ann Darrow

Lead

Female

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano

Carl Denham

Lead

Male

Baritone

King Kong

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Lumpy

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Captain Englehorn

Supporting

Male

Tenor, Baritone

The Barman

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Female and Male Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Songs

ACT ONE

  • Prologue - Company
  • Dance My Way to the Light - Female Ensemble
  • Queen of New York - Ann Darrow and Company
  • Building the Boat/Setting Sail - Carl Denham and Orchestra
  • Cabin Soliloquy - Ann and Company
  • Pressure Up - Captain Englehorn and Male Ensemble
  • The Mutiny - Carl, Captain Englehorn and Male Ensemble
  • Skull Island - Orchestra
  • The Ascent - Orchestra
  • The World - Carl
  • The Cobra Fight - Orchestra
  • Full Moon Lullaby - Ann
  • The Descent - Orchestra
  • Kong’s Capture - Orchestra

ACT TWO

  • Entr’acte: The Voyager Returns - Orchestra
  • It’s Man - Carl, Ann, and Company
  • The Wild and Perilous Sea - Company
  • Last of Our Kind - Ann
  • Scream for the Money - Ann and Company
  • Dance My Way to the Light (Reprise) - Orchestra
  • Broadway Nightmare - Ann and Female Ensemble
  • NYC Chase - Orchestra
  • Empire Ascent - Orchestra
  • The World (Reprise) - Carl
  • Air War - Orchestra
  • Empire Soliloquy - Ann
  • The Wonder - Ann 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

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Scenes

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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

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.