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Overview

Synopsis

Loosely based on the life of Carl Reiner, the story takes place in 1938 and focuses on a stage-struck, woman-loving young Jewish boy from New York named David Kolowitz. David works as a delivery boy in a sewing machine factory. His boss, Mr. Foreman wants to train him to take over the business. Meanwhile, David's domineering parents want him to become a druggist. But David has other ideas; even though he has no experience, he dreams of being an actor. At his friend Marvin's suggestion, David tries out for a part in a play, and somehow manages to get cast. Although discouraged by his parents and boss, he leaves their dreams and his devoted girlfriend Wanda behind and is soon performing as the leading man in a third-rate theatrical company while being seduced by the resident less-than leading lady, the daughter of the hammy artistic director. In his first performance, everything that can go wrong, does so in hilarious ways.

Show Information

Book
Joseph Stein
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Comedy
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Late Teen, Mature Adult, Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

David

Lead

Male

Spoken

Marvin

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Mr. Foreman

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Wanda

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Marlowe

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Angela

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Ms. B

Featured

Female

Spoken

Father

Featured

Male

Spoken

Mother

Featured

Female

Spoken

Roger

Featured

Male

Spoken

Pike

Featured

Either Gender

Spoken

Songs

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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

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.

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.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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