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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
- Book
- Christopher Sergel
- 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
- Licensor
- Dramatic Publishing Co.
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Early Teen, Adult, Child, Mature Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
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 play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
A play in which a lead character narrates the events of the play, which are drawn from the character's memory.
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