The Ballad of Soapy Smith
Full Length Play, Dramatic Comedy / 24m, 9f
"Michael Weller deserves praise for a play with contemporary relevance, daring to accost a large canvas. The protagonist is a complex and absorbing creation. I left the theatre, for once, thinking rather than trying to forget." - New York Magazine
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Cast Size
24m, 9fDuration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours)Subgenre
Adventure, Biography, Fables/FolktalesAccolades
From Off-BroadwayTarget Audience
- Adult
Additional Info
Reviews
REVIEWS
"Michael Weller deserves praise for a historical play with contemporary relevance, daring to accost a large canvas. The protagonist is a complex and absorbing creation. I left the theatre, for once, thinking rather than trying to forget." - New York Magazine
"A rousing epic." - The Associated Press
Considerations
Performing Groups
- College Theatre / Student
- Community Theatre
- Professional Theatre
- Large Stage
Cautions
- Mild Adult Themes
License details
- Minimum Fee: $75 per performance
Production
Details
- Time Period: Wild West, 19th Century
- Duration: More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Setting: Alaska, 1897
- Features / Contains: Period Costumes
Music
- Musical Style: N/A (Not a musical)
- Vocal Demands: N/A (Not a musical)
- Chorus Size: N/A (Not a musical)
Song Samples
Casting
24m, 9fTRIPOD SCHULTZ
JEFFERSON RANDOLPH (SOAPY) SMITH
GEORGE WILDER
FRENCHIE VILLIERS
MAJOR JAMES STRONG
FRANK REID
MICHAEL C. SHERPY
WILLIAM WHITMORE
CALVIN BARKDULL
KITTY CHASE
MATTIE SILKS
BURKE GALLAGHER
CHARLIE (THE REVEREND) BOWERS
WILLIAM H. (DOC) JACKSON
SYD DIXON
RED GIBBS
REVEREND DICKEY
FRITZ
TAGISH SAM
JENSEN
MOLLIE FEWCLOTHES
CORPORAL EGAN
COMMISSIONER CHARLES A. SEHLBREDE
GOVERNOR BRADY OF ALASKA
TOWNSPEAOPLE, PROSTITUTES, DANCE HALL GIRLS, MILITIAMEN, OTHER VIGILANTES, MRS. DICKEY, MRS. WHITMORE, MRS. BARKDULL, FRANK CLANCY, OTHERS.
Cast Attributes
- Reduced casting (Doubling Possible)
- Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)
Casting Notes
With proper doubling, this play can be (and has been) performed with a cast of 22.
Resources
Scripts
More
Authors
The Ballad of Soapy Smith was first presented at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, in Seattle, Washington, in 1983. The production was directed by Robert Egan.
Community Experiences