Explore this Show
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
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
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
Scenes
Key Terms
A long accompanied song for a solo voice.
When a person adjusts the way that they speak to match a specific person or audience
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
A person who claims to heal illnesses and injuries through spiritual intervention such as prayer or gestures
A person who claims to be more knowledgeable and skilled in a field than they really are, usually in medicine
The highest male vocal type, generally C3-C5.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright