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The Theory of Relativity
This moving and unconventional song cycle bursts with originality as it examines the interconnectedness of us all through life's shared experiences - from the hilarious to the heartbreaking.
13
Roles
+ Ensemble
PG
Rated
1
Act
Full Synopsis

A simple physics test question prompts a group of young people to consider their lives ("Person A"). As each one separately ponders personal dilemmas of connection, they begin to become aware of each other ("Relativity"). One young man steps forward to tell the story of an anxiety-filled dinner with a man whom he's trying to impress ("I'm Allergic to Cats"). Buoyed by that young man's story, one by one, each of the people gathered shares their own tale.

A young physics major grapples with the infinite uncertainty of love and the finite certainty of mathematics ("Pi – Part 1"). 

Two women, friends since childhood, recount the beginning of their lopsided friendship and its inevitable and surprising end ("The End of the Line"). 

Two others find a bond in the clash between parental expectations and personal aspirations ("Great Expectations"), an issue shared by the entire group. 

As the stories unfold, the group begins to sense that there may be a deeper connection between them ("Relativity – Reprise 1"). 

A responsible college student from a stable home experiences upheavals in his life that challenge his once-solid foundation ("Footprint"). 

The young physics major begins to find out, to his horror, that mathematics may not be as finite as he once thought ("Pi – Part 2"). 

A crowded city street becomes the unlikely backdrop for a fantasy of love ("Lipstick").

A man with a secret desire (a love of oranges in the Washington apple region) finds another young man who shares that love and more ("Apples & Oranges"). 

A steely young woman tells the saga of a relationship gone wrong... that left her forever changed ("Me & Ricky"). 

A woman with a troubled upbringing shares the story of her miraculous relationship with her mother ("Promise Me This").

A young woman breaks the news to her friends that she has accepted a proposal of marriage ("Julie's Song"). 

Meanwhile, the young physics major, thrown by his growing uncertainty about math and his growing certainty about love, begins to succumb to the charms of the latter ("Pi – Part 3"). 

Spurred by an overwhelming desire to experience real life ("Relativity – Reprise 2"), the entire group breaks into a wordless a cappella piece that escalates into a contagious expression of human connection ("Relative Pitch").

A regular customer in a coffee shop spies another and tries to gather the courage to say hello ("You Will Never Know"). The entire company joins in, each trying to find the same courage. By now, the group has become a motley, but cohesive, community, able to reframe the simple physics problem into a deeper question about the nature of human relationships ("Person A – Reprise"). Together, the full company celebrates the remarkable interconnectedness of life ("Nothing without You").

Casting Notes

The following are three possible cast sizes with our suggested doubling or splitting. A cast of thirteen or more will allow each actor to assume a single role throughout the show. A production with a cast of less than thirteen should be approached with each actor assuming multiple roles. Note that with smaller or larger casts, you'll need to redistribute incidental solo lines.

In any case, we strongly suggest that you use these character names for your reference only rather than including them in your show playbill. We feel it's best to include only song titles and the names of the actors performing them, rather than indicating which characters they are playing.

Cast of 13 (preferred)

Women:

Caroline: Bb3 - Eb5

Julie: G3 - E5

Jenny: G#3 - Eb5

Mira: Ab3 - E5

Sara: G#3 - E5

Amy: G3 - C5

Catherine: D4 - D5

Men:

Anthony: C3 - F4

Ryan: D2 - F4

Oliver: Bb2 - F#4

Mike: D3 - G#4

Adam: D3 - F4

Paul: C3 - G4

Gender: any

16

Women:

Caroline: Bb3 - Eb5

Julie: G3 - E5

Jenny: G#3 - Eb5

Mira: Ab3 - E5

Sara: G#3 - E5

Amy: G3 - C5

Catherine: D4 - D5

Men:

Adam, Anthony 1 ("Lipstick"), Anthony 2 ("You Will Never Know"), Mike 1 ("Great Expectations"), Mike 2 ("Apples & Oranges"), Oliver, Paul, Ryan.

Anthony:: C3 - F4

Ryan: D2 - F4

Oliver: Bb2 - F#4

Mike: D3 - G#4

Adam: D3 - F4

Paul: C3 - G4

Gender: any

8

Women:

Amy/Caroline, Catherine, Jenny/Mira, Julie/Sara.

Caroline/Amy: G3 - C5

Julie/Sara: G3 - E5

Jenny/Mira: G#3 - E5

Catherine: D4 - D5

Men:

Adam/Anthony, Ryan/Mike, Oliver, Paul. 

Anthony/Adam: C3 - F4

Ryan/Mike: D2 - G#4

Oliver: Bb2 - F#4

Paul: C3 - G4

Gender: any

Show History

Inspiration

With music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill, creators of Broadway’s The Story of My Life, The Theory of Relativity offers a fascinating look into the unexpected connections among unrelated people.

The song cycle began after Neil Bartram and Brian Hill were invited to develop a show with the musical theatre students at Sheridan College in Toronto. While there was an opportunity to develop existing works further, the creators opted instead to write a show to which college-aged performers could relate on a more personal, direct level.  Through interviews and conversations with the students, Neil and Brian were inspired by the shared human experiences that connect us all.

Productions

The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Toronto originally commissioned The Theory of Relativity in 2012.

In 2014, the show was part of the Festival of New Musicals at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. It received a full production in the spring of 2015 at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre.

The show had its London premiere at the Drayton Arms Theatre in the spring of 2015.

The show was produced in April 2016 at Cleveland, Ohio’s, PlayhouseSquare, in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University.

Cultural Influence

  • The musical was performed at Feinstein’s/54 Below in October 2015, featuring many members of the cast from Goodspeed Musicals. 
Critical Reaction

“A brilliant show, you’ll leave the theatre with a big grin on your face.”
– Everything Theatre

“I defy anyone, whatever may be happening in their lives, to leave this production without feeling renewed hope, being profoundly uplifted”
– London Theatre 1

“Take a Physics manual, blend it with the sound of The Book of Mormon, the hilariously nerdy references of The Big Bang Theory, a sprinkle of Chicago, few drops of 'Glee,' bake it in a Broadway bowl, use all the originality you can have.... That’s the successful recipe for the spectacular The Theory of Relativity.
– Live Like Tom

“Whether you’re a fan of musicals or not, make sure you give The Theory of Relativity a go.”
– www.ayoungtheatre.com

The Theory of Relativity is a joyous, youthful musical exploration of the surprising interconnectedness of our own personal orbits as we stand 'motionless' on this little rock hurtling through space.”
– Broadway World

“The music presents a mix of comedy and heart.”
– www.westendwilma.com

Show History

Inspiration

With music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill, creators of Broadway’s The Story of My Life, The Theory of Relativity offers a fascinating look into the unexpected connections among unrelated people.

The song cycle began after Neil Bartram and Brian Hill were invited to develop a show with the musical theatre students at Sheridan College in Toronto. While there was an opportunity to develop existing works further, the creators opted instead to write a show to which college-aged performers could relate on a more personal, direct level.  Through interviews and conversations with the students, Neil and Brian were inspired by the shared human experiences that connect us all.

Productions

The Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Toronto originally commissioned The Theory of Relativity in 2012.

In 2014, the show was part of the Festival of New Musicals at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. It received a full production in the spring of 2015 at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre.

The show had its London premiere at the Drayton Arms Theatre in the spring of 2015.

The show was produced in April 2016 at Cleveland, Ohio’s, PlayhouseSquare, in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University.

Cultural Influence

  • The musical was performed at Feinstein’s/54 Below in October 2015, featuring many members of the cast from Goodspeed Musicals. 
Critical Reaction

“A brilliant show, you’ll leave the theatre with a big grin on your face.”
– Everything Theatre

“I defy anyone, whatever may be happening in their lives, to leave this production without feeling renewed hope, being profoundly uplifted”
– London Theatre 1

“Take a Physics manual, blend it with the sound of The Book of Mormon, the hilariously nerdy references of The Big Bang Theory, a sprinkle of Chicago, few drops of 'Glee,' bake it in a Broadway bowl, use all the originality you can have.... That’s the successful recipe for the spectacular The Theory of Relativity.
– Live Like Tom

“Whether you’re a fan of musicals or not, make sure you give The Theory of Relativity a go.”
– www.ayoungtheatre.com

The Theory of Relativity is a joyous, youthful musical exploration of the surprising interconnectedness of our own personal orbits as we stand 'motionless' on this little rock hurtling through space.”
– Broadway World

“The music presents a mix of comedy and heart.”
– www.westendwilma.com

Billing

Music and Lyrics by
Book by

Requirements

You must give the authors/creators billing credits, as specified in the Production Contract, in a conspicuous manner on the first page of credits in all programs and on houseboards, displays and in all other advertising announcements of any kind.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY

(100%)

 
Music & Lyrics by
NEIL BARTRAM

(50%)

Book by
BRIAN HILL

(50%)

 
ADDITIONAL TITLE  PAGE BILLING:
The following credit shall appear in all programs of the Play:
“The Theory of Relativity  was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project,
Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.”
 
The following credit shall appear at the end of all further billing:
“Originally Produced by Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, CT”
The Musical was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's
Festival of New Musicals in 2015

Video Warning

ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.

Included Materials

Resource Quantity
ERRATA LIST 1
LIBRETTO/VOCAL BOOK 20
PIANO CONDUCTOR'S SCORE 1
PIANO VOCAL SCORE 1

34.0294087, -118.4852613

51.5450204, -0.1221129

35.6970161, 139.7055564

64.5958827, 18.672773

55.3109664, 10.7971274

35.1526615, -106.5520294

33.4596777, -86.798553

42.2485671, -83.2263477

38.6426263, -90.2499133

33.5419194, -117.7756004

40.7016196, -79.7210762

26.3830744, -80.1871434

40.2641352, -75.8051374

44.8717655, -93.41119

43.3133043, -91.7996724

43.5885462, -83.8743044

40.6540898, -73.7138583

34.7226383, -92.3398594

37.1936856, -95.7208506

42.3883581, -71.2361622

35.6970106, 139.7055933

32.4758398, -99.7336164

Title Address Organization Website Date Venue
Theory Of Relativity

1730 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
United States

Pacifica Christian High School to Pacifica Christian High School
Theory of Relativity

Bodens College
London
N7 9NY
United Kingdom

Bodens College Of Performing Arts Bodens College
Theory Of Relativity

2 Chome-15-3 Kabukicho
Shinjuku
Tokyo
160-0021
Japan

Fierte to Cofrelio Shinjuku Theater
Theory of Relativity

United States

Musicaltalentskolen Nyborg to Bastionen
Theory of Relativity

United States

Tannbergsskolan, Lycksele Kommun to Lycksele MedborgarhusfArening
Theory Of Relativity

500 Lakeshore Dr
Birmingham, AL 35209-6712
United States

Djd Theatre to Djd Theatre
Theory Of Relativity

18401 Champaign
Allen Park, MI 48101
United States

Allen Park High School to Allen Park High School
Theory Of Relativity

358 N Boyle
Saint Louis, MO 63108
United States

St. Louis Theatre Kids to Gaslight Theater
Theory Of Relativity

6400 Wyoming Blvd Ne
Albuquerque, NM 87109
United States

Albuquerque Academy http://www.aa.edu to Albuquerque Academy
Theory Of Relativity

625 Park Ave
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
United States

Laguna Beach High School to Lbhs Black Box
Theory Of Relativity

629 S Pike Rd
Sarver, PA 16055
United States

Freeport Senior High School http://www.freeport… to Freeport Area Middle School
Theory Of Relativity

9050 Kimberly Blvd Ste 65
Boca Raton, FL 33434
United States

Barclay Performing Arts to John Barclay Studio Theatre
Theory Of Relativity

150 Jedwood Place
Valley Stream, NY 11582
United States

Valley Stream South Jr/sr High School to Valley Stream South High School
Theory Of Relativity

2801 S University
Dept Of Theatre And Dance
Little Rock, AR 72204
United States

Univ Of Arkansas - Little Rock By The Board Of http://www.ualr.edu… to Univ Of Arkansas
Theory Of Relativity

1057 W. College Ave
Independence, KS 67301
United States

Independence Community College/fine Arts Dept to William Inge Theater
Theory Of Relativity

785 Beaver St
Waltham, MA 2452
United States

Arlington Childrens Theater to Chapel Hill Chauncey Hall
Theory Of Relativity

2 Chome-15-3 Kabukicho
Shinjuku
Tokyo
160-0021
Japan

Fierte to Cofrelio Shinjuku Theater
Theory Of Relativity

2200 Hickory
Box 14864
Abilene, TX 79698
United States

Hardin Simmons University Theatre Department to Van Ellis Theatre
Theory Of Relativity

301 E 1st Street
Birdsboro, PA 19508
United States

1st Street Theater to Birdsboro Community Theater
Theory Of Relativity

7255 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
United States

Pim Arts High School to Performing Institute Of Minnesota
Theory Of Relativity

700 College Drive
Decorah, IA 52101
United States

Luther College to Luther College
Theory Of Relativity

1624 Columbus Avenue
Bay City, MI 48708 6899
United States

Bay City Central High School to Bay City Central High School
(264945)
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