A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Piaf

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  5w, 25m

Book, Lyrics and Music by Pam Gems

This play with music, reworked from the celebrated 1978 original, vividly captures the glamour, squalor, rise and fall of the complex, fragile and enigmatic performer Edith Piaf.

Piaf

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 25m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
This play with music, reworked from the celebrated 1978 original, vividly captures the glamour, squalor, rise and fall of the complex, fragile and enigmatic performer Edith Piaf, who continues to be remembered and revered for her exceptional voice and extraordinary life.
History
Piaf premiered in 1978 at Royal Shakespeare Company's The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, after which it moved to the Donmar Warehouse in London, the Aldwych Theatre, the Piccadilly Theatre and Wyndham's Theatre. The original production starred Jane Lapotaire in the title role and featured Ian Charleson as Pierre. Piaf premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on February 6, 1981. Lapotaire, reprising her performance in the title role, won the 1981 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.
Keywords
Performing Groups

Emcee/Manager (Henri)
Piaf
“Papa” Leplée, owner of Cluny Club
Toine
Emil, maître d’ at Cluny Club
Legionnaire
Jacques, thug #1
Eddie, thug #2
Little Louis, thug #3
Police Inspector
Paul, man with rose
German Soldier #1
German Soldier #2
Georges
Butcher
Pier, on bicycle; later, Piaf’s agent
Marlene
Marcel
American Sailor #1
American Sailor #2
Barman
Madeleine
Lucien
Angelo
Physiotherapist
Jacko
Dope Pusher
Nurse
Theo

*Plus onstage pianist

Plus onstage combo

  • Time Period 1960s, 1950s, 1940s / WWII, 1930s, 1920s
  • Setting Various locations in Paris and elsewhere, 1920s-1963.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Play w/ Music
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Drugs
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Smoking

Media

“An enthralling evening.” – New York Post

“Gems' writing has power and velocity; Piaf leaps at us right from the gutter.” – Newsweek

“The skillful, indeed subtle, combination of the Piaf songs and the scenes from Piaf's origins make up an enthralling evening.” – New York Post

Music

“La Ville Inconnue”
“Mon Manege a Moi”
“L’Accordenoniste”
“Hymne a l’Amour”
“Le Belle Histoire d’Amour”
“Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”
“Les Trois Cloches”
  • Musical Style Jazz
  • Dance Requirements None
  • Orchestra Size Piano Only
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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(Note: While this show was originally orchestrated for a full orchestra we are currently only offering a Piano Only rental package for this title. If you are interested in more orchestra parts please contact your licensing representative for more information.)

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Authors

Pam Gems

Pam Gems
Pam Gems’ first major success was Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi (1977). Her productions with the RSC include Queen Christina (1977), Piaf (1978), Camille (1984) and The Danton Affair (1986). She was awarded the Olivier Award for Best New Play for Stanley in 1997, which also won t ...
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