Plays sorted by (our estimate of) Run-Time(This category excludes pantomimes - see below.)Caution: Run-times are estimates from word-count (plus estimates for songs, where applicable).
There are so many good female/male duets out there. (It’s probably because the male/female relationship is the most common one in musicals.) It was challenge to narrow the songs down, but I decided to go with numbers I think will do well at competition. The formula is the same as past articles: a strong relationship, full story arc, and performance length. As a bonus, I teamed up with Chris Leavy on this article, so we’ve got 33 numbers for you, split between Part 1 and Part 2. We hope you enjoy! 1. “It Could Totally Happen” from Like You Like It.
Characters: Eddie Birdlace, a US Marine just returned from Vietnam, and Rose, a shy waitress.Relationship: Eddie and Rose have had a disastrous first date, but decide to try again.Story: Eddie has entered a “Dogfight”, wherein he and two others each ante $50 into a pot and find dates to bring to a party. The Marine with the ugliest date wins. Eddie has invited Rose, but is conflicted by his decision. When he tries to change their plan, Rose thinks he’s embarrassed by her, so he brings her anyway.
She discovers the true nature of the party and leaves, devastated. Eddie apologies as best he can, and Rose believes he is sincere, so they go on another date, with the stipulation that they never again discuss the Dogfight. Characters: Grace O’Malley, daughter of the chieftain of the O’Malley clan, and Tiernan, a sailor.Relationship: Childhood sweethearts, now entering adulthood.Story: Following the christening of new ship The Pirate Queen by Grace’s father, he instructs her to leave because women are not allowed to sail.
An index of one-act plays for two actors. Borrowed Parts - Drama. Walter Wykes. Buyer$ Market - Comedy.
Instead, Grace disguises herself as a cabin boy and stows away. After battling a terrible storm, Grace’s secret is revealed. Her father is both furious at her disobedience and proud of her heroism and skill.
Tiernan is delighted to learn his sweetheart will remain on board, but both agree their relationship must be kept secret. They swear their troth to each other in a mock marriage ceremony. Characters: Jamie, a writer on the verge of success, and Cathy, an aspiring actress.Relationship: Cathy and Jamie have been dating for about two years.Story: The Last Five Years is unique in that while Jamie’s story progresses forward, Cathy’s progresses backward.
This number occurs where their stories intersect, beginning with Jamie “answering” Cathy’s questions about the New York City landmarks they see while rowing on Central Park Lake, then with their marriage at the centre of the song, and ending with Cathy asking the questions that Jamie “answered” in the beginning of the song. Characters: Nina, a college student, and Benny, a cab dispatcher.Relationship: Benny works for Nina’s parents, and they have fallen in love.Story: On a searing hot July 4 th weekend, Nina has come home from Stanford to tell her parents she’s lost her scholarship and had to drop out. After spending a night together, Nina’s father discovers their relationship and vows Benny will never be part of the family because he is not Latino. Nina resolves to return to Stanford, and the two watch the sun set, uncertain of their future.
Tiffany Weagly-Wilkie is the Director of Theatricals for PerformerStuff.com. She also serves as the Casting Director for The Imagination House.
Christopher Leavy is a music director, accompanist, vocal coach, actor and musical theatre historian whose professional career spans over 40 years and more than 100 shows. When not immersed in musical theatre, Chris enjoys travel, cooking, world history and the Eurovision Song Contest.
He lives in Orlando, FL with his husband and their cat. Thumbnail: Photo by on.