Bella: An American Tall Tale

Full Length Musical, Comedy / 7m, 5f

Set in the Old West, this world-premiere musical comedy written by Kirsten Childs tells the tale of Isabella “Bella” Patterson, a young black woman in late 19th Century America.

Bella: An American Tall Tale

Cast Size
7m, 5f
Duration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
Target Audience
- Adult

Additional Info

When Bella boards a train west to reunite with her Buffalo soldier sweetheart, she encounters the most colorful and lively characters ever to roam the Western plains. Bullets and fists will fly, heads and hearts will break, but—blessed with a big heart, and a voluptuous figure—Bella will breeze on through it all.

Reviews

"A rollicking musical. Like its title character's doozy of a derriere, Bella is impossible to ignore." - Time Out

"As a composer, Ms. Childs has an enviable versatility." - The New York Times

"Kirsten Childs' high spirits are infectious, and Bella: An American Tall Tale is her irresistible invitation to kick up your heels." - Variety

Considerations

Performing Groups

College Theatre / Student
Professional Theatre
Large Stage

Cautions

Strong Language

License details

Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Production

Details

Duration: More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
Setting: The Old West

Casting

7m, 5f

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Resources

Scripts

Authors

Kirsten Childs

Kirsten Childs is the award-winning writer of the musicals The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Miracle Brothers, Fly (with Rajiv Joseph and Bill Sherman), Funked Up Fairy Tales, and Bella: An American Tall Tale (directed by Robert O’Hara). Bella: An American Tall Tale received its world premiere in the 2016 ...

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Bella: An American Tall Tale

Bella: An American Tall Tale