The Beautiful People
by William Saroyan
by William Saroyan
The Beautiful People is a whimsical tale about a diverse cast of characters navigating dreams, family, and love in a world that challenges their innocence.
About The Play
About The Play
The Beautiful People refuse to play by the rules of a wicked world, steadfastly preserving their enchanted and – at times illegal – innocence, by any means necessary.
A philosophical father, a one-word boy novelist, and blessed Saint Agnes of the Mice battle the breaking of dreams, accompanied by a ghostly cornet player, a nostalgic clerk, an octogenarian drunk, a drunken priest, an almost-mother, and several literate vermin.
Cheques are stolen from a dead man. Mice are daringly rescued by a poet. Strangers become family. The prodigal son returns. And lost loves are finally and forever found.
At the time of its publication, Saroyan wrote: “Putting on this play was the happiest experience in the theatre I have ever known.”. A Broadway hit in 1941, The Beautiful People has been unseen in London since 1956.
Cast in order of appearance
Owen Webster, a poet scientist, son, and brother – Kyle Soller
Harmony Blueblossom, a little old lady in the summertime – Elizabeth Counsell
Agnes Webster, a saint – Rachel Clare
Jonah Webster, a father – Paul Greenwood
William Prim, a vice-president – Vincent Shiels
Dan Hillboy, a good companion – Geoffrey Burton
Father Hogan, a Catholic – Kevin Colson
Harold Webster, a son and brother – Steve Pretty
Steve, a homeless young man – Matt Prendergast