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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

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

Nat Miller

Lead

Male

Essie Miller

Lead

Female

Richard Miller

Lead

Male

Mildred Miller

Supporting

Female

Lily Miller

Supporting

Female

Sid Davis

Supporting

Male

Arthur Miller

Supporting

Male

David McComber

Supporting

Male

Muriel McComber

Featured

Female

Belle

Featured

Female

Tommy Miller

Featured

Male

Went Selby

Featured

Male

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

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Videos

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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