Rodgers & Hammerstein's State Fair
by Oscar Hammerstein (Ii), Richard Rodgers, Tom Briggs, Louis Mattioli, Phil Stong
Awards & Recognition
Nominee: Two 1996 Tony Awards, including Best Original Score
Synopsis
Rodgers & Hammerstein's only musical written directly for the screen is now a stage musical that's had critics raving from coast to coast.
Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, State Fair travels with the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair.
Mom and Pop have their hearts set on blue ribbons, while their children Margy and Wayne find romance and heartbreak on the midway.
Set to the magical strains of an Academy Award-winning score and augmented by other titles from the Rodgers & Hammerstein songbook, State Fair is the kind of warm-hearted family entertainment only Rodgers & Hammerstein could deliver!
Press Reviews
"A sparklingly witty book and lush R&H songs – the crowd-pleasing charms of [State Fair] are considerable and compelling."
— Variety
"A toe-tappable, knee-slappable package that carries a wealth of charm!"
— Hollywood Reporter
"Perfection... Just pin that blue ribbon on the theater marquee."
— Chicago Sun Times
"This may be what the golden age of Broadway was really about."
— USA Today
"A pure delight... Sweeter and more fun than cotton candy."
— Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Characters
| Character |
|---|
PRINCIPALS 3 Women 3 Men |
FEATURED 4 Women 1 Girl (age 11) 6 Men |
ENSEMBLE Singing-dancing ensemble consisting of Barkers, Vendors, Judges, and Fairgoers |
CHARACTERS(Frake's daughter) Abel Frake – A farmer Gus – The Frake's hired man Margy Frake – The Frake's daughter Melissa Frake – Abel's wife Wayne Frake – The Frake's son Dave Miller – The local storekeeper Eleanor – Wayne's girlfriend Harry – Margy's boyfriend The Fair Announcer The Hoop-La Barker Emily Arden The Astounding Stralenko Vivian – A cooch dancer Jeanne – A cooch dancer Pat Gilbert – A newspaper reporter Charlie – A newspaper photographer Lem – A farmer Clay – A farmer Hank Munson – A farmer The Chief of Police Violet – His daughter The Fairtones Judge Heppenstahl Mrs. Edwin Metcalf of Pottsville 2 Roustabouts Barkers, Vendors, Judges and Fairgoers |
Videos
Jeanne Crain sings "It Might As Well Be Spring"
Publication
Rodgers & Hammerstein's State Fair is a play written by Oscar Hammerstein (Ii) and published by R&H Theatricals (2021).
Community Reviews
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Buy Play
Paperback
R&H Theatricals · 2021
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