Cheaper by the Dozen

by Christopher Sergel (Libretto), Mark Bucci (Score), Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

A musical adaptation of the original novel.

An exuberant score brings a special enchantment to this outstanding musical comedy. Dad was (in fact) one of the great pioneers in industrial efficiency and he sings to his large family, "What works in the factory works in the home." His older daughters, however, rebel against their father. Anne, the oldest, sings of her coming independence "On My Own," unaware that her father has a heart condition and is driving them toward superefficiency so the family will be able to survive better when he's gone. What Dad doesn't realize is that Anne has grown up. The breaking apart of Anne and her father and then their coming to a special maturity and mutual respect give meaning and emotion to what is otherwise a delightful and original comedy romp!

155 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 1991

About the author

Christopher Sergel's interests and talents led him on many adventures throughout the world. As captain of the schooner Chance, he spent two years in the South Pacific; as a writer for Sports Afield magazine, he lived in the African bush for a year; as a lieutenant commander during WWII, he taught celestial navigation; as a playwright, his adaptation of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio was seen on Broadway. But throughout his life, his greatest adventure and deepest love was his work with Dramatic Publishing. During this time, he wrote adaptations of To Kill a Mockingbird, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Mouse That Roared, Up the Down Staircase, Fame, Black Elk Speaks and many more. His love of theatre and his caring for writers made him a generous and spirited mentor to many playwrights here and around the world. His inspiration and integrity attracted to the company fine writers including C.P. Taylor, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Arthur Miller, Roald Dahl and E.B. White - to name just a few. He once said he hoped to be remembered as E.B. White described Charlotte…
"…a true friend and a good writer."

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have worked on two productions of this. It still plays well.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much narration for my taste, and a bit dated. I like the concept and would love to find an updated version.