The story starts in 1905 on the day Joseph Taylor, Jr. is born and follows his
life to his thirty-fifth year. The three major locations of action are in his
hometown, his college town, and a large city, all in the same mid-western state.
There are no stage "sets" in the conventional sense, but backgrounds for action
are achieved by small scenic pieces on a moving stage, by light projections and
by drops. The singing chorus is used sometimes as a "Greek Chorus," complementing
the dialogue and singing of the characters in the play. They sometimes move out
of their "Greek Chorus" groupings and take their place in the literal action of
the story as a conventional musical play chorus, and sometimes they augment the
ballet in its action, real or fantastic. The chorus, then, like the scenery, is
"fluid," as free as possible from the usual restrictions.
ACT ONE
Marjorie Taylor’s Bedroom
Joey’s Room
In Front of Jennie’s House
The Taylor’s Porch
The College Gym (Freshman Dance)
The Football Field
The Campus
Jennie’s Garden
Joe’s Study
Classroom
Woodland
Jennie’s Garden
The Taylor’s Porch
Outside the Church
Inside the Church (The Wedding)
ACT TWO
Backyard of the Taylor Home
Bedroom
Dr. Taylor’s Office
Jennie’s Salon in Chicago
Foyer of the Taylor Apartment
Street Entrance of the Apartment House
Dr. Bigby Denby’s Private Office
Joe’s Office
The Lobby of the New Private Pavilion |