Overview
Synopsis
How do we deal with loss in a post-9/11 world? Whether it’s the death of a friend, family member, or relative stranger, we all cross paths with grief at some point in our lives. Elegies is a song cycle that pays tribute to loved ones, long-lost pets, and the victims of 9/11 through 18 different stories. A celebration of those who have passed on, Elegies is an often hilarious and always touching musical journey by William Finn that explores the joys and sorrows of life. With a cast of five and solo piano, Elegies is an excellent choice for an easy-to-produce musical evening.
Show Information
- Music
- William Finn
- Lyrics
- William Finn
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2003
- Genres
- Jukebox/Revue, Historical/Biographical, Comedy, Drama
- Settings
- Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- A neutral setting with different songs suggesting various locations
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- Piano Only
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
Songs
ACT ONE
- Looking Up Quintet - Full Cast
- Mister Choi & Madame G - Keith, Carolee, Christian
- Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving - Michael
- Only One - Betty
- Joe Papp - Keith
- Peggy Hewitt & Mysty del Giorno - Christian, Carolee
- Passover - Carolee
- Infinite Joy - Betty
- The Ballad of Jack Eric Williams (and other 3-named composers) - Michael
- Fred - Christian
- Dear Reader -Betty, Carolee
- Monica & Mark - Christian, Keith, Michael
- Anytime (I Am There) - Carolee
- My Dogs - Christian
- Venice - Michael
- 14 Dwight Ave., Natick, Massachusetts - Christian, Betty
- When The Earth Stops Turning - Christian
- Goodbye/Boom Boom - Keith, Carolee
- Looking Up - Betty
- Goodbye (Finale) - Full Cast
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.