Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Full Length Musical, Drama / 6m, 5f

Set against the beautiful background of nineteenth 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

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Cast Size
6m, 5f
Duration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
Subgenre
Adaptations (Literature), Period
Accolades
Not Applicable
Target Audience
- Adult
- Senior
- Children (Age 6 - 10)
- Pre-Teen (Age 11 - 13)
- Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Additional Info

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. In order 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 had 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.

Reviews

‘The Loveless brothers… have brought great sincerity to their storytelling… surging power ballads… very well delivered … a compelling centre to the show…’ Mark Shenton, 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

‘…musically stunning ….haunting songs …a beautiful musical.’ British Theatre Guide

‘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 1

‘…a wonderful evening of storytelling. This beautiful new musical… has a perfect blend of a new score, great book, talented cast and winning direction.’ A Younger Theatre

‘…an exciting and accessible production… The musical score with its notable numbers will leave you humming …a glorious afternoon.’ UK Theatre Network

‘…wonderfully fresh and dynamic …a masterpiece, not only of musical intensity but also of outstanding stagecraft …a beautiful new musical… ‘ Jonathan Baz

‘…sheer enchantment from start to finish… songs that could easily become standards…’ 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

‘… a magnificent performance.’ The Upcoming

‘…this fine musical …this is a first rate affair worth seeking out without delay.’ Reviewsgate

‘… 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 – Tess of the D’Urbervilles ‘A rich, dramatic, and inventive score …really great new British musical writing.’ Grumpy Gay Critic

Keywords

Adolescence, Aging, Betrayal, Childhood, Christianity, Death, Feminism, Friendship, Illness/Health, Love, Marriage, Parenting/Family, Politics, Religion, Women's Issues, Economic/Financial Issues

Considerations

Performing Groups

High School/Secondary
College Theatre / Student
Community Theatre
Professional Theatre
Reader's Theatre
Shoestring Budget
Tours
Large Stage
Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups
Youth/Camp Programs

Cautions

Mild Adult Themes

License details

Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Production

Details

Time Period: Victorian (British and American), 19th Century, 17th Century
Duration: More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
Setting: Tess of the D’Urbervilles is set in and around rural Wessex in the late 19th Century. The work was originally performed on a composite set suggestive of villages, country mansions and standing stones.
Additional Features: Stage Combat, Special Effects
Features / Contains: Elaborate / High Volume Costumes, Period Costumes

Music

Musical Style: Folk, Operetta
Vocal Demands: Moderate
Chorus Size: Medium

Song Samples

Tess Audio Reel