The Names We Gave Him
Book & Lyrics by Ellen McLaughlin
Music by Peter Foley
Loosely based on a true story, The Names We Gave Him is about an amnesiac veteran of the First World War, the doctor who treated him, and the many women who, in denial of their grief, claimed him as their lost beloved. With a richly textured, dramatic score and riveting choral music, this new musical explores the agony of war for both the soldiers and the families they leave behind, the distorting power of loss, and the insistence of love. What is a country’s identity in the aftermath of such devastation? What is a self without memory?
← Previous
Next →
Full-length musical, drama
Cast: 16 (8f, 8m + optional additional chorus)
Minimum cast with doubling: 5f, 6m. Strong leading and featured roles for men and women.
Musicians: 8
Keyboard/Conductor; Reed 1 (Clarinet/Flute); Reed 2 (Bass Clarinet/Clarinet/Alto Sax); Reed 3 (Bassoon); Horn; Violin; Cello; Percussion
Performances
New Works Initiative, Montclair State University (full production), dir. Lisa Rothe, 2021
The Public Theater (two workshops), dir. Daniel Kramer, 2015
The Public Theater, PublicLAB (reading), dir. Michael Greif, 2010
Highlights from the Score
Praise
“Inspired...revelatory...his masterpiece.” — ADAM GOPNIK, The New Yorker
Awards
Commission, The Public Theater
Richard Rodgers Award Finalist
Sundance Institute Playwrights Retreat at UCross
Perusals & Licensing
Complete demo recordings and script are available for perusal. The Names We Gave Him is orchestrated and available for licensing. Please direct inquiries here.
The Names We Gave Him was developed with support from the Shen Family Foundation, The Public Theater, Montclair State University College of the Arts New Works Initiative, the Sundance Institute, Hedgebrook, Arena Stage, and the Women Playwrights Festival.