Overview
GRUMPY OLD MEN is the story of two aging men, Max and John, neighbors who have been feuding for most of their lives. Invigorated by their shared affection for their new neighbor across the street, the beautiful, eccentric, and charming Ariel, they face-off as romantic rivals until their hilarious shenanigans finally bring about a resolution to their long-standing differences. Based on the 1993 film, which starred Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, great songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone.
Casting & Production
Casting
4 female and 5 male featured roles
Opportunities for featured casting in the ensemble
JOHN GUSTAFSON (retired history teacher) – Male, Age 70
MAX GOLDMAN (his neighbor; retired TV repairman) – Male, Age 71
ARIEL TRUAX (college professor; new in town) – Female, Age 52
JACOB GOLDMAN (Max’s son; a lawyer) – Male, Age 39
MELANIE NORTON (John’s daughter; a R.E. agent) – Female, Age 38
SANDRA SNYDER (nefarious tax collector) – Female, Age 40
“GRANDPA” GUSTAFSON (John’s oversexed father) – Male, Age 94
CHUCK BARRELS (owns the town’s general store) – Male, Age 69
PUNKY BARRELS (Chuck’s niece; also new to town) – Female, Age 55
ENSEMBLE (5 men; 3 women)
HARRY the accident-prone postman delivers mail to
TIM the dubious minister who is married to
UNIS the avian addict while
STAN the polka champion is browbeaten by his wife
FRAN the town gossip
KARLA caffeinates all, including
BO and LO who appear as movers, orderlies and other random duos
(The actor playing KARLA also portrays the NURSE.)
Orchestral Information
Keyboard 1-2
Reed 1-2
Trumpet
Trombone
Violin
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Credits
GRUMPY OLD MEN THE MUSICAL
Book by DAN REMMES
Music by NEIL BERG
Lyrics by NICK MEGLIN
Adapted from the Warner Bros. motion picture written by MARK STEVEN JOHNSON
Media
Authors
Upcoming Productions
Hot Springs Village Players
Hot Springs Village, AR
Resources
