A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Full-Length Musical, Drama / 5w, 6m plus ensemble
From the novel by Thomas Hardy
A musical by Alex Loveless
Additional musical arrangement and original orchestrations by Christopher Ash
Orchestrations adapted by Andy Smith
Set against the beautiful background of 19th-century Wessex, Thomas Hardy’s masterpiece is brought thrillingly to the stage in a new full-length musical adaptation full of drama, colour and passion.
-
Cast Size
5w, 6m plus ensemble -
Duration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours) -
Subgenre
Adaptation (Literature), Period -
Target Audience
Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)
Details
Summary
Tess of the D’Urbervilles is the story of a farm girl and what happens after she discovers the truth about her family’s illustrious heritage. Tess is seduced by the wealthy Alec D’Urberville and bears him a son who dies in infancy. She later marries Angel Clare, a gentleman farmer, but he learns of her past with Alec and abandons her. To support her family, Tess agrees to become Alec’s mistress. When Angel returns, Tess murders Alec in a fit of passion. The police track Tess and Angel to Stonehenge. As Tess is led to the gallows, she imagines what life could have been had she never discovered her ancestry.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles is scored in a “through-composed” style. The score incorporates a range of musical styles, from folk and church music to operetta. Containing timeless themes – including the sacrificial nature of true faith and virtue versus moral absolutism, religious dogma and fanaticism; the place of women in society; and an examination of the true nature of nobility – Tess has lost none of its power or relevance since its first publication.
History
Cast Attributes
Keywords
- Time Period Victorian (British and American), 19th Century
- Setting In and around rural Wessex in the late 19th century.
- Features Elaborate/High-Volume Costumes, Period Costumes
- Additional Features Stage Combat
- Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Cautions
- Mild Adult Themes
Media
“Musically stunning [with] haunting songs… a beautiful musical.” – British Theatre Guide
“The Loveless brothers… have brought great sincerity to their storytelling… surging power ballads… very well delivered… a compelling centre to the show.” – The Stage
“Superbly conceived and realised… there is so much to admire in this production… the fusion of the Victorian novel and musical theatre is remarkable.” – Broadway World
“Boasting a charming score… a welcome addition to the roster of new British book musicals.” – Musical Theatre Review
“Astonishingly good… stunning… thoroughly enjoyable.” – Plays to See
“A dramatic triumph… an absolute joy to watch… If you are looking for depth, fantastic acting, great movement, sublime singing and music then this is the show for you.” – London Theatre
“Sheer enchantment from start to finish.” – Remotegoat
“The best new musical to hit the Off-West End stage in years… Awarding Tess of the D’Urbervilles five stars seems stingy… I haven’t been this bewitched by any musical since I first watched Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables. This is a musical that tugs the heartstrings and won’t let go. It’s divine work.” – Mellowday London
“Atmospheric and melodic… a bold and well-told story.” – Stage Review
“Thoroughly engaging… this is something incredibly special.” – Ginger Hibiscus
“A wonderful musical evening.” – The Londonist
“A rich, dramatic and inventive score… really great new British musical writing.” – Grumpy Gay Critic
Music
Song Samples
- Musical Style Folk, Operetta
- Vocal DemandsModerate
- Chorus Size Medium
Licensing & Materials
- Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Music Rentals
Scripts
Available Formats:
Authors
Alex Loveless
