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Ludlow Ladd

Operetta

Gerald J. Markoe Michael Colby

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

Plot

Characters

Lead

Ludlow Ladd
Male
Tenor
View Breakdown

Supporting

Hester Grimble
Female
Alto
View Breakdown
Muriel McNulty/Missus Pinecones
Female
Soprano
View Breakdown
Nester Grimble
Male
View Breakdown
Prudence Grimble
Female
Soprano
View Breakdown
Prescott Grimble
Male
Baritone, Tenor
View Breakdown
Daisy
Female
Soprano
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Tin Soldier
Male
Bass-Baritone
View Breakdown

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Ludlow Ladd.

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Monologues

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

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.

Videos

Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher