David Caudle, Playwright
Show People
AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by David Caudle
Music by James Rubio
In 1882, a 17-year-old NYU student dreams of making a difference in the world by championing the cause of the downtrodden actors in New York City. But first, he must overcome society's prejudices and his own inexperience. With the help of such luminaries as Edwin Booth, James O'Neill, Sarah Bernhardt, and Buffalo Bill, he attempts to organize a benefit performance. The result of his efforts is known to us today as The Actors Fund.
CHARACTERS:
HARRISON GREY FISKE, 17. An idealistic NYU freshman.
IDABELLE DEBEAUREGARD, 19. A chorus girl.
TOM, 25, a gruff, hunky stage manager.
ANNIE, 50, a wardrobe mistress.
JAMES O'NEILL, (father of Eugene), a star known for only one role.
WALLACK, an embattled theatre owner.
EDWIN BOOTH, a famous actor, haunted by his brother's assassination of Lincoln.
SARAH BERNHARDT, a famous french actress in New York for the first time.
BUFFALO BILL, a popular figure with a Wild West Show. Doubles as FISKE SENIOR, Harrison's wealthy, humane but pragmatic father.
NED, a stagehand.
RUFUS, a lame stagehand.
MARJORIE, a young chorus girl.
CLARA, a married chorus girl hiding her pregnancy to keep her job.
PATIENCE, an older chorus girl, run ragged by an ailing mother.
(The actors playing Edwin, Sarah, Buffalo Bill/Fiske Senior, Stagehands and Chorus Girls also play other minor roles.)
Developed in the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group at Primary Stages.
NEWSFLASH!
SHOW PEOPLE has been awarded a grant for further development from the Anna Sosenko Assist Trust.