Play Suggestions: All American

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All American

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1751
Printed Date: 5/04/24 at 1:14pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: All American

Posted By: mark_j
Subject: All American
Date Posted: 3/13/06 at 3:10pm

I came across a brief description of this musical and I thought it had potential. Briefly, it's about an immigrant who teaches math and science to college football players. Later, I found out it's original run in 1962 only had 80 performances. Has anyone here seen or produced this show? Just recently I found a used copy of the script ($1.50) and an original cast recording- starring Ray Bolger.

Is there a fatal flaw I'm missing? I haven't read it yet, but if anyone is familiar with the story I would appreciate a heads up. It's like going to the movies, I'd like to know what I should look for before I go in.

Thanks,

Replies:

Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 3/13/06 at 10:54pm

I've been wondering about this one, too! It's by Mel Brooks, isn't it?

Posted By: mark_j
Date Posted: 3/14/06 at 9:10am

The book was by Mel Brooks, or at least half of it according to some rumors. I couldn't find it anywhere on the internet (other than Dramatic Publishing) until a couple weeks ago. Then I searched Amazon and found one used copy, and I Google'd to find the sound track.

I like to be an informed consumer when it comes to reading musicals and scripts. I'm new to the dry read game. I may not notice technical difficulties like awkward set shifts and quick costume changes while reading it.

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 3/14/06 at 9:35am

I like the show - though it's a little simplistic for today's audiences - and
that the fact that the leads are more mature than the usual musical comedy
is a bit strange.

A major plus: I think the song "Once Upon a Time" is one of the loveliest in
musical comedy theatre!