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The Gigli Concert

Play

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
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

Characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Gigli Concert.

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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.

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

    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.

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

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

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

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

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

Videos

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright