Mack and Mabel
by Book by Michael Stewart Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Revised by Francine Pascal
Mack and Mabel had 4 performances almost 16 years ago (between the 26th of November 2008 and the 29th of November 2008)
Set between 1911 and 1938 “Mack and Mabel” is based on real characters working in the movies during that time in America. The main emphasis of the plot is based around the tumultuous relationship between the title characters Hollywood comic Director, Mack Sennett, and the silent screen star he discovered, Mabel Normand.
The musical begins with Mack reminisces about his career it is 1938 and the days of the silent film are over, and so too is Mack’s career. In a series of flashbacks Sennett relays the glory days of his first studio in which Mabel is discovered and goes on to star in his early “two-reelers”. Then he recounts his invention of the Bathing Beauties, moves onto the creation of the Keystone Cops and ends with Mabel returning to star in his first full length feature. In the centre of this musical is a romance, but this is surrounded by slapstick comics, great dance routines, pathos, a fabulous score and a tinge of sadness. Mabel falls helplessly in love with Mack (who is historically 14 years her senior) and works tirelessly to please him. Mack also falls for Mabel’s quirky charm but his stubborn and aggressive personality prevents him from ever openly declaring the love he feels for her, although they do embark on an affair. Mack is a workaholic and is always trying to think of the next gimmick to make the audiences laugh. As Mabel is pushed to work on several movies at a time she becomes hooked on pills to enable her to continue at Mack’s relentless pace. As Sennett becomes more successful Mabel realizes that much of this is down to her and attempts to get Mack to acknowledge this by giving her more artistic integrity. Mack humiliates Mabel by sleeping with another woman and as a result she leaves not only the Studios but also him. Mabel is swept up by serious director W.D. Taylor who values her acting and on the surface treats her with kindness and consideration, however it is Taylor that is responsible for getting Mabel hooked on hard drugs and alcohol to sustain their party life style. Although Mabel makes a go of things with Taylor and stars in his films she never falls out of love with Mack. Although Sennett goes onto to create further box office smashes with his keystone cops he too never forgets Mabel. Sadly Taylor is murdered in Mabel’s presence and the ensuing scandal wrecks her career. In an attempt to help her make a clean start, Sennett agrees to make her the star of a romantic drama, “Molly O”, which he goes on to direct. However, the odium still attached to Mabel’s name means the film is never screened before her death of some say a heroin overdose other tuberculosis aged only 35. Not your usually “happily ever after” musical ending!
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Mack Sennett - Wally WaltersA whisky slugging workaholic. His fading memories are vividly conveyed to the audience as he looks back over his career. Mack is driven and egotistical with echoes of wistful melancholy he is an autocrat with a soft centre, a barking control freak whose tenderness is carefully concealed. |
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Lottie Ames - Jenny PowellA silent movie actress who, before Mabel arrives, is Mack’s star. Sparky, energetic with lots of personality. She is always optimistic. Has two solo songs one which includes tapping! Mabel’s close friend. |
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Freddie - Adam RobertsSilent Film Actor. Member of the studio family who acts, brings in props, sings and is part of the family group. |
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Frank Wyman - Chris KnightsA young man who starts the musical as the 16 year old paper boy. As the plot moves on he grows up and become an actor, writer and director. A sensitive soul with great writing talent. He falls in love with Mabel, but knows it is unrequited. |
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Mabel Normand - Jean WarnerA needy waitress turned silent film star. Quirky, impish, charismatic, sexy and a tomboy. There is great depth to this role as she declines into drugs and booze and disintegrates before our eyes. As the mismatch in the ambitions of Mack and Mabel become more obvious we see her growing love and subsequent pain and fury. Again not the usual one-dimensional musical role, this actress must be gutsy, exuberant, brash and heartrending as she charts the decline and fall of her career, her love, and ultimately her life. We have to watch her age over 20 years and change in character. Also needs to be a competent singer who can sing in different styles but able to cope with soaring ballards. |
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William Desmond Taylor - Keith BollandsA handsome, suave, charming, serious film director who has an affair with Mabel. He is instrumental in Mabel's increased drug habit and is shot in a scandal involving Mabel. A speaking role only. |
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Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle - Jake WallisA very physical comedic actor, who is obviously supposed to be on the rotund side! Kindly and larger than life character. Great facial expressions! |
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Ella - Faith PowellA pianist and a talented singer. Like all of the others in the Studio Family sings a lot and is involved in re-creating the silent movies. |
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Kessel - Tony FrierA tall accountant/producer who plays a strong role within the Family. A dominant, sharp suited presence. |
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Bauman - Ian ThomasKessel's short sidekick, the other half of a comedy singing duo |
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Andy - Jakub BednarCamera Man. Member of the studio family who acts, bring in props, sings and is part of the family group. |
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Louie - Stephanie CarterContinuity Girl. Member of the studio family who acts, bring in props, sings and is part of the family group. |
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Dancers - Rachael Davis-TaylorThese will be Bathing Beauties, Keystone cops, Acrobats, Studio helpers, writers etc…and those that tap will be involved in the “Tap your troubles away” dance. |
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Dancers - Annelly James |
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Dancers - Gemma Murphy |
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Dancers - Rachel Price |
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Dancers - Bianca Clark |
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Dancers - Karen Regent |
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Dancers - Vicki Thomas |
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Dancers - Aimee Pye |
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Dancers - Samantha Ivey |
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Ruth - Emma ThompsonThe Dresser |
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Gertie - Nicola AndersonSilent Film Actress |
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Harry - Lexi GraingerLighting Technician |
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Archie - Tom HudsonProps boy |
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Netty - Nancy LundMake Up Girl |
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Dancers - Kiera McCormack |
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Dancers - Olivia James |
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Director/Choreographer - Carolyn Floyd |
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Musical Director - Paul Henry |
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Stage Manager - Liz Thomas |
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Lighting - Jonathan Miller |
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Set Design and Construction - John Godliman |
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Musical Director - Paul Henry |