In 17th-century Manhattan, the roguish Dutch council eagerly awaits the arrival of their new autocratic governor, Pieter "Peg-Leg" Stuyvesant. Hoping to make a good impression, and in the awkward position of having no one to hang on hanging day, they arbitrarily select an independent-minded young man for the unfortunate fate and we're off and running with a satirical fable pitting totalitarianism against democracy. This first musical to use historical perspective to comment upon contemporary political matters leaves virtually no aspect of government unscathed, with some hilarious and knowing results. Washington Irving, himself stepping in and out of the narrative as the plot unfolds, manages an eleventh hour turn of events for an upbeat conclusion to the delight of all concerned.
Cast Requirements: PRINCIPALS
1 Woman
6 Men
FEATURED
1 Woman
6 Men
ENSEMBLE
Large singing-dancing ensemble with several small roles.
CHARACTERS
Pieter Stuyvesant
Brom Broeck
Tina Tinehoven
Washington Irving
Tienhoven
Mistress Schermerhorn
DePeyster
General Poffenburgh
Van Cortlandt, Jr.
Schermerhorn
Tenpin
Van Rensselaer
Vanderbilt
Roosevelt
DeVries
Set Requirements: KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY takes place in Washington Irving's study in 1809 and in Old New York in 1647.
SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
Washington Irving's Study, 1809
Interior of the Jail
The Battery, New York City
Genre / Style: Musical, 17th Century Manhattan
Rehearsal / Orchestral Material: Rehearsal Set
20 Libretto
20 Vocal Books
2 PIANO VOCAL SCORE
Orchestration Package
1 PIANO VOCAL SCORE
1 PIANO
1 REED I (Flute, Piccolo)
1 REED II (Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax)
1 REED III (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax)
1 REED IV (Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax)
1 TRUMPET I
1 TRUMPET II
1 TROMBONE I
1 TROMBONE II
1 PERCUSSION
1 VIOLIN I (Divisi)
1 VIOLIN II (Divisi)
1 VIOLA
1 CELLO
1 BASS
1 GUITAR (Doubles Banjo)
Musical Numbers: September Song, It Never Was You, How Can You Tell An American? There's Nowhere to Go But Up, The Scars