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Overview

Synopsis

Ludlow Ladd (The Poor Little Orphan Boy) is an all-rhymed operetta that unfolds through Christmas carols. It is a prequel to the hit musical Charlotte Sweet, both revolving around holidays. The two shows have even been performed in repertory (e.g. at the New American Theater in Rockford IL). Ludlow Ladd has also been produced as a concert/staged reading: this is easily achieved as the show is framed as an ongoing Christmas Carol, whereby the cast of carolers appropriately hold their book of carols.

Show Information

Music
Gerald J. Markoe
Libretto
Michael Colby
Category
Operetta
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1979
Genres
Satire, Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Liverpool, Victorian England
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Optional
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ludlow Ladd

Lead

Male

Tenor

Hester Grimble

Supporting

Female

Alto

Muriel McNulty/Missus Pinecones

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Nester Grimble

Supporting

Male

Prudence Grimble

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Prescott Grimble

Supporting

Male

Baritone, Tenor

Daisy

Supporting

Female

Soprano

Tin Soldier

Supporting

Male

Bass-Baritone

Songs

  • Kooky Carols CAROLERS
  • Ye Faithful Shepherds CAROLERS
  • Ludlow Ladd DAISY & CAROLERS
  • I’m a Poor Little Paper Boy LUDLOW
  • Let’s Take Him In HESTER & NESTOR GRIMBLE & LUDLOW
  • Little House of Liverpool DAISY & CAROLERS
  • Our Christmas Tree MURIEL & GRIMBLE FAMILY
  • Animal Song DOG 1, DOG 2 & CAT
  • Boy...Oh Boy! PRUDENCE & LUDLOW
  • The Secret PRUDENCE & CAROLERS
  • It’s No Fun PRUDENCE
  • What a Dinner! MURIEL & GRIMBLE FAMILY
  • Oh No! GRIMBLE FAMILY & MURIEL
  • Why (Do I Do Ev’rything Wrong)? LUDLOW
  • Lie In Slumber CAROLERS
  • Call Me “Missus Pinecones” MISSUS PINECONES
  • The Land of Yuletide Cheer TIN SOLDIER & COMPANY
  • Just a Ragdoll (optional) RAGDOLL
  • Why Would You Want a Family? MRS. SANTA, JACK FROST, & LUDLOW
  • March! March! March! TIN SOLDIER with COMPANY
  • The Spell GINGERBREAD LADY & COMPANY
  • The Tiff PRESCOTT, LUDLOW, & COMPANY
  • Strange Little Fellow MISSUS PINECONES
  • Revelation XXV/Finale LUDLOW, MURIEL, GRIMBLES, & CAROLERS
  • Encore (Peace on Earth) 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

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher