The cast should be comprised of a youthful, American melting pot of races and nationalities.  While the show is written for a minimum cast of ten, it can be easily expanded to incorporate a singing-dancing chorus as large as desired.  Mark and Juliet consistently step into the roles of Irving Berlin and his wife, Ellin Mackay, throughout the show, while the others are called upon to play a variety of characters.  The cast also serves as a sort of Greek chorus, speaking directly to the audience and sometimes relating their tales in the style of “Story theatre.”  

PLEASE NOTE: there are opportunities in the show for actors to play onstage instruments. The music for these instrumental sections is at the back of this book following the vocal arrangements. 

This revue was originally developed at a high school as a way of introducing students to the work of a man whose name was only familiar to some as the composer of “God Bless America.”  It was inspiring to see a new generation become increasingly exhilarated, swept up in the discovery of each new song.  Berlin has not traditionally been praised with adjectives like “cool” and “awesome,” but that’s exactly how the kids felt about Berlin’s incomparable musical legacy.  Throughout the production period they were genuinely moved by his words and music, to both laughter and tears, ultimately understanding that the songs of Irving Berlin tell the story of this American century.  They were also enthralled by Mary Ellin Barrett’s extraordinary book about her father, Irving Berlin: A Daughter’s Memoir, on which this revue is based (available from Limelight Editions).