Overview
Synopsis
Ah, Wilderness! is one of the few comedies ever written by Eugene O’Neill. It represents a strong departure from his usual gritty family dramas in that it depicts a loving family in turn of the century Connecticut. Wilderness! is a feel-good coming-of-age story about young Richard Miller, whose romantic woes shape the play. When Richard is prevented from dating his neighbor Muriel, he goes on a drunken bender and attempts to woo the more worldly-wise Belle. Eventually Uncle Sid intervenes, brings the boy home, and puts everything right again.
Ah, Wilderness! Is a portrait of middle-class America at the beginning of the twentieth century. O’Neill is reported to have written it in under a month, and after its initial publication enjoyed a very successful reception. It was produced on Broadway and was also adapted into a film starring Mickey Rooney. Since then, Ah, Wilderness! has become known as a beloved staple of the community theater scene across the country.
Show Information
- Book
- Eugene O'Neill
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 1933
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- 1903, connecticut
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Samuel French
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult, Child Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Female |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Female |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
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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
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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