THE HUMAN COMEDY A Musical in 2 Acts, 17 Scenes. Libretto by William Dumaresq. Based on the novel of the same name by William Saroyan. Music by Galt MacDermott. The Human Comedy is a sung through musical. Originally produced Public Theatre/Anspacher, Off-Broadway 20th December, 1983 (79 performances) Royale Theatre, Broadway - Opened 5th April, 1984 : closed 15th April, 1984 (13 performances) SYNOPSIS Homer Macauley is a 14 year-old boy growing up fatherless in the San Joaquin Valley of California during World War II. His oldest brother is off fighting the war, and Homer feels he needs to be the man of the family. To make money, he takes an evening job as a telegraph boy: sometimes he has to deliver the news to a family that a son has died in the War. Yet Homer also keeps up his normal life, going to school, to church, and to the movies. He is buoyed by his home and his loving family, including a very young brother and a mother who plays the harp. His roots and an almost instinctive sense of right and wrong keep him honest and hopeful. CAST (in order of singing): Trainman (The Family, 4): Ulysses Macauley Mrs. Kate Macauley Homer Macauley Bess Macauley Helen Miss Hicks Spangler Thief Mr. Grogan Felix Beautiful Music Mary Arena Mexican Woman Voice Of Matthew Macauley Marcus Macalay Tobey A Neighbour Diana Steed Minister Soldiers, Townspeople SCENES AND SETTINGS The action takes place in 1943 in a little town in California. Act I Scene 1: At a Train Crossing. Scene 2: At Home. Scene 3: At School. Scene 4: At the Telegraph Office. Scene 5: Message. Scene 6: At Home. Scene 7: Message. Scene 8: At the Telegraph Office. Scene 9: At Home. Act 2 Scene 1: At the Debarkation Center. Scene 2: At Home. Scene 3: War Front. Scene 4: Home Front. Scene 5: At War and at Home. Scene 6: At the Telegraph Office. Scene 7: In the Park. Scene 8: Home.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU3MzQ=