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Overview

Synopsis

Cheaper by the Dozen is a stage adaptation of the novel about the real-life Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and their 12 children. The Gilbreths were pioneers in time and motion studies, which paved the way for modern-day ergonomics and efficiency studies. Christopher Sergel’s tender adaptation is equal parts memory play and family comedy, with appearances by 9 of the dozen children. Anchored by the memories of son Frank Jr. and daughter Ernestine, the ensemble play is a warm look at a little-known but seminal figure in history. The varying ages of the characters provide good acting opportunities for performers in a high school or community theatre setting, and the unit set and no costume changes provide for a technically easy production.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
"Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1992
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The Gilbreth family living room in Montclair, New Jersey., 1920s
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Early Teen, Adult, Child, Mature Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Dad

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Ernestine Gilbreth

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Frank Gilbreth, Jr.

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mother

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Anne Gilbreth

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Dr. Burton

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Joe Scales

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Lillian Gilbreth

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Bill Gilbreth

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Jackie Gilbreth

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Dan Gilbreth

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Martha Gilbreth

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Fitzgerald

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Miss Brill

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Larry

Ensemble

Male

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

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

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