Overview
Synopsis
Ghost the Musical is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Longtime couple Sam and Molly are happily in love and living together in Brooklyn. Walking back to their apartment one night, they are mugged at gunpoint, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped between this world and the next as a ghost and unable to leave Molly--- who he quickly learns is in grave danger. With the help of a storefront psychic named Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of protecting her. Featuring such popular songs as “With You” and the Righteous Brothers’ classic “Unchained Melody,” this powerful love story is sure to become a fan favorite!
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Context
Ghost: The Musical is adapted from the 1990 Academy Award–winning film Ghost, written by Bruce Joel Rubin. The film was a global phenomenon, blending romance, suspense, and the supernatural into a story that resonated with audiences worldwide. With the film’s enduring popularity, producers sought to bring the story to the stage, and Rubin himself adapted the screenplay into a theatrical book and lyrics. The creative team included Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and songwriter Glen Ballard,
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Act One
Our story begins with Sam Wheat, a handsome young banker, moving into a Brooklyn apartment with his longtime artist girlfriend, Molly Jensen (“Here Right Now”). The two of them are obviously in love, but Sam has a hard time verbally committing to his feelings for Molly. Whenever she says “I love you,” he replies with “Ditto.” This makes her uncomfortable, but she attempts to push her hurt feelings aside. To distract her, Sam takes his guitar and sings a cheesy but heartfelt
to read the plot for Ghost the Musical and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Not Specified |
|
Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.
Special effects in theatre are technical illusions designed to create extraordinary images or sounds on stage that go beyond everyday reality. These effects may include projections, lighting tricks, stage machinery, or soundscapes that make impossible actions—like a person passing through a wall or objects moving on their own—appear real to the audience. They are often used in supernatural or fantasy-themed productions to heighten the sense of wonder and bring the story’s magic to life.
Spectacle refers to the visual elements of a production that create wonder and excitement through design, movement, or scale. This might include elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, special effects, or impressive sets. Spectacle often heightens the theatrical experience by leaving audiences with vivid visual impressions alongside the story and music.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Love Beyond Death The central theme of
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Ghost the Musical and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
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