This is the biggest show (in terms of cast size) of Chip Deffaa's various shows inspired by the life of master showman George M. Cohan.
There are 33 speaking parts in this full-length, two-act musical comedy.
You can, if you wish, use 33 different actors to play the 33 different characters. And you can also have a chorus as big or as small as you want. Eighteen of the 46 musical numbers in this show feature members of the chorus, so there’s plenty for the chorus to do.
If you’re planning a really big production--at, for example, a regional theater or community theater, or at a college, high school, or middle school--and you would like to use a big cast, this exuberant musical comedy can be performed with as large a cast as you choose to have. This is an ideal choice for a big high school, college, or community theater that wants a big show, with lots of life, lots of color, and lots of characters!
However, it is also entirely possible to do this show well with a smaller cast, if that is your preference. The show will work perfectly fine with, say, 20 or so actors, with some “doubling” of roles. The plentitude of ensemble moments give the show a big feel. The score is rich with Cohan favorites. And even includes a couple of specialties by Irving Berlin, who idolized Cohan.
Our thanks to the talented actors who’ve helped in workshopping this show. The photos below show the cast of a reading at Roy Arias Studios, New York City: Chris Hlinka (George M. Cohan), Bob Diamond (Jerry Cohan), Suzanne Dressler (Nellie Cohan), Katie Brandenstein (Josie Cohan), Ian Palmer (Young George M. Cohan), Emily Bordonaro (Young Josie Cohan), Jennifer Cohan Ross (Agnes Nolan), Michael Townsend Wright (Edward Albee and assorted others), and Brady Chin (Irving Berlin and assorted others), along with playwright Chip Deffaa.
The Crystal Sea Drama Company of San Antonio, Texas, under the direction of Irene Miller, will be producing "Yankee Doodle Dandy" this season.
Geirge M. Cohan
If you'd like to license this show or desire additional info, please contact: CHIP DEFFAA PRODUCTIONS LLC 50 Quartz Lane Paterson, NJ 07501-3345 Tel. (973) 684-3340 Email: OriginalCast1@aol.com
