Plot Summary
Somebody’s Boy is an adaptation of Hector Malot’s beloved French novel, Sans Famille. It brings to life the poignant tale of Remi, who is discovered abandoned as a baby by the poor villager, Jean Barberin. Barberin and his wife adopt Remi in hopes of receiving future financial rewards. However, when Remi is 9 years old, Barberin and his wife can no longer care for him, and they send him off with Vitalis, a traveling street performer. Thus begins Remi’s adventurous journey of self-discovery.
As Remi travels through the French countryside, he learns the art of performance from Vitalis, a former professional singer, and their bond grows stronger. Vitalis teaches Remi to sing and shows him the song of his heart. Along the way, Remi’s heartfelt singing captures the attention of many, leading to meaningful friendships, including one with a blind girl named Lise.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Vitalis is arrested, leaving Remi to navigate new challenges. After they reunite, Remi receives a letter from Lise indicating that his real parents are alive and well. Despite his deteriorating health, Vitalis agrees to accompany Remi to meet his parents. However, they are surprised and disappointed by what they discover. The story culminates in a heartwarming reunion where Remi’s true identity is revealed, leading to a joyful reconciliation with his mother, Mrs. Milligan.
Character Descriptions
Two Main Child Parts:
Young Remi: Remi is a sweet, innocent, and loveable boy with a beautiful singing voice who looks around 9 years old. While he’s lonely at the beginning of the story, he forms friendships with his guardian, Vitalis, a traveling performer, and a young blind girl, named Lise. He’s friendly and kind and always seeks to do good. Actress must be a strong singer and actress. She should also be able to dance well.
Lise: Nine-year-old Lise has been handicapped since birth. But she’s not to be pitied! She’s upbeat and shares her positivity with Remi. Remi’s singing voice makes her very happy. Actress should be able to sing and act well.
4-6 Girl Chorus members of all ages who can sing and dance.
We are looking for 4-6 actresses with dynamic stage presence, strong singing skills, and an ability to move well.
2 Main Adult Parts:
Old Remi: Old Remi narrates the story from beginning to end. He is animated and active throughout, interacting with the audience and those on stage. Actress must be versatile and a good singer.
Vitalis: Vitalis is in his 50s/60s. He’s full of energy and cares very much for Remi. He guides him with his wisdom and teaches him to read and sing. At one point, he gets very sick and almost dies. He was once a famous singer in Italy. Now, he’s a traveling street performer who plays a “one-man” band. Actress must be a very strong singer with excellent acting and movement skills.
3 Supporting Adult Parts:
Mr. Milligan: A deceitful man who ordered the kidnapping of baby Remi. He cares about one thing- money. Actress must be able to sing and move well.
Mr. Driscoll: A low-class criminal with no moral compass. He pretends to be Remi’s long-lost father. He must have good comic timing as well as singing and dancing ability.
Mrs. Driscoll: Mr. Driscoll’s wife. Also, a low-class criminal with no moral compass. She pretends to be Remi’s long-lost mother. She must have good comic timing as well as singing and dancing ability.
4 Adult Chorus members:
All adult chorus members need to sing and act well. They will double up as different characters with lines in different scenes.
Please note: There is no Regal Girls Choir this year.