Overview

Synopsis

Irish playwright Tom Murphy is renowned for his searing themes and experimentation, and The Gigli Play is considered his masterpiece. It primarily concerns the exploits of JPW King, a “dynamatologist” (a cross between a faith healer and a self-help guru). King is visited by the shady self-made businessman known only as The Irish Man, who is desperate to fill a void in his life by singing like the famous opera singer Beniamino Gigli. Their encounters become something of a seesaw, with each man becoming equally dependent on the other for salvation. With its winding language and vibrant characters, the play has a potency that is reminiscent of classic commedia, but is also at times poignantly philosophical.

Show Information

Book
Tom Murphy
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1983
Genres
Comedy, Dark Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
An office in Dublin
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Small Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

JPW King

Lead

Male

Tenor

An Irish Man

Lead

Male

Tenor

Mona

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

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

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Scenes

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Key Terms

    Aria

    An aria is a solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio that showcases the singer’s range and emotional expression. It is typically performed with orchestral accompaniment and often marks a moment of reflection or emotional climax.

    Code switching

    The shifting of language or behavior depending on context, portrayed to highlight cultural identity and social dynamics.

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    Faith Healer

    A character who claims to heal through divine power, dramatized to explore belief, doubt, and deception.

    Quack

    A fraudulent medical practitioner, used in comedies or period plays to satirize ignorance and exploitation.

    Tenor

    A male vocal range above baritone, commonly featured in opera and musical theatre for romantic or heroic lead characters.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright