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Kean

Original Broadway Version (1961)
The swaggering adventures of noted eighteenth-century actor, Sir Edmund Kean, come to life in this backstage musical.

With a score by Kismet and Grand Hotel's Robert Wright and George Forrest, and a libretto from Peter Stone (1776), Kean is every bit as colossal as the actor upon whom its based.

Sir Edmund Kean is the premiere Shakespearean actor of eighteenth-century London. Typically found drunk and/or womanizing, Kean finds himself at the center of a dangerous love pentagon, including royal blood. Often finding his foot in his mouth if it isn't filled by the words of the Bard, Kean faces imprisonment should he not publicly apologize for the offense that he has caused His Highness; but, as the curtain falls on Sir Edmund, it is his resounding insecurities and inability to distinguish himself from the characters that he plays that comes to the footlights.

If a theatre company has a talent pool of strong singers, a team of visionary creatives and an audience with an appetite for singular musicals, Kean is the perfect piece to produce. It masterfully balances comedic genius with dramatic brilliance and offers legions of opportunities to feature various performers, including jugglers, acrobats and dancers.

11
Roles
+ Ensemble
PG
Rated
2
Acts
Music and Lyrics by Robert WrightRobert Wright George ForrestGeorge Forrest
Book by Peter StonePeter Stone

Overture/Penny Plain, Twopence Colored

Man and Shadow/Mayfair Affair

Sweet Danger

Queue at Drury Lane/Penny Plain, Twopence Colored/King of London/To Look Upon My Love

Let's Improvise

Elena

The Fog and Grog

Civilized People

Service for Service

Willow, Willow, Willow

Chime In!

Swept Away

Apology

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Concert Selections for Kean

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

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