The Giant Hoax

by Kit Goldstein Grant

Based on the true (?!) story of New York's famous Cardiff Giant

Step right up and enter a world of wonder! Emily, a bright young girl with an active imagination, has run away from home only to find herself in the employ of a shady showman, William "Stub" Newell, the owner of a petrified, prehistoric giant. But when P.T. Barnum threatens Stub's business with a giant of his own, Emily has to sort through what is...

Based on the true (?!) story of New York's famous Cardiff Giant

Step right up and enter a world of wonder! Emily, a bright young girl with an active imagination, has run away from home only to find herself in the employ of a shady showman, William "Stub" Newell, the owner of a petrified, prehistoric giant. But when P.T. Barnum threatens Stub's business with a giant of his own, Emily has to sort through what is fact, what is fiction, and what's all just a part of her imagination.

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The Giant Hoax

Recommended by

  • The PlayGround Experiment: The Giant Hoax by Kit Goldstein Grant
    “

    This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too.

    This play took part in "The PG Evolution a development process". We selected it because it is special and we believe 100% in the playwright and their voice. We are proud to be a part of its early journey and cannot recommend it enough. If you have any questions about our experience with this work, please feel free to reach out to us. We love this play and we know you will too.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The Giant Hoax by Kit Goldstein Grant
    “

    An excellent musical that inspires and teaches great lessons! Magical!

    An excellent musical that inspires and teaches great lessons! Magical!

    ”
  • David Davila: The Giant Hoax by Kit Goldstein Grant
    “

    This is an absolute WONDERFUL musical for the whole family about finding your truth when the entire world is lying. A pretty important message these days; with fabulous ear worms that you'll be humming for days. I was lucky enough to catch the Off-Broadway production and this is the perfect musical for a high school or university to perform for their fall show!

    This is an absolute WONDERFUL musical for the whole family about finding your truth when the entire world is lying. A pretty important message these days; with fabulous ear worms that you'll be humming for days. I was lucky enough to catch the Off-Broadway production and this is the perfect musical for a high school or university to perform for their fall show!

    ”
CHARACTERS:
7 men / 4 women
Additional Ensemble Optional <br> <br>

WOMEN <br> <br>

Woman 1
… EMILY’S MOTHER. Warm and loving. 30s – 40s. Soprano. B3 – E5 <br> <br>

Woman 2
… DR. MARTIN, a strict, serious and severe lady scientist. 40s - 50s. Alto or Mezzo with strong belt. A3 – D5. <br> <br>


Woman 3
… EMILY, bold, gutsy and enthusiastic, but gullible. Around 9 or 10 years old. May be played by an adult. Alto/Mezzo. G3 – E4 <br> <br>

Woman 4
… BETH, A well-to-do and somewhat snobby young girl. 6 - 10. Can be played by an adult. Any voice type. G3 – Bb4. <br> <br>

MEN<br> <br>

Man 1
… WILLIAM “STUB” NEWELL, a farmer turned showman. Fast-talking, charming, friendly, but devious, 35 – 45. Baritone or tenor with good low range. A2 – E4.<br> <br>

Man 2
… P.T. BARNUM, the circus impresario. Larger than life, self-confidant and energetically conniving. Around 60. Baritenor or tenor with good low range. A2 – G4.<br> <br>

Man 3
… THE CARDIFF GIANT, a giant stone figure of a man. British. Dapper. Tall. Warm and loveable. 30 – 60. Tenor with low range, or baritone. G2 – F4.<br> <br>

Man 4
… DR. BOYNTON, a lecturer on geology. A sheltered academic. 30 - 60. Any voice type. G#2 - Bb3.
… ANNOUNCER/REPORTER, Energetic, bombastic, 20s - 40s. Any voice part.<br> <br>

Man 5
… REVEREND TURK, an evangelical preacher. 30s to 50s. Baritone with strong voice preferred. C#3 – D4.
… CARL FRANZ OTTO, a sculptor. Self-righteous, but can be bought for the right price. German. 20s to 50s. Any voice part.
… BARNUM’S GIANT (Shadow, non-speaking). Tall. Any age.
… MEAN GIANT (Shadow). Tall. Any voice part.<br> <br>

Man 6
… JUDGE. Serious and stern. 40s - 60s. Any voice part.<br> <br>

Man 7
… JOHN, BETH’s even snobbier and sometimes bratty older brother. 8 - 13. Can be played by an adult. Any voice type. G2 – Bb3.
… NEWSBOY. Any voice part.
… JACK (Shadow, non-speaking.). Shorter. Any voice part.<br> <br>

ENSEMBLE: Various circus acts/Crowd/Jury
play misc. roles and shadows throughout.<br> <br>

CHARACTER NOTE:
Different doublings are possible at the discretion of the director. All roles can be played by actors of any ethnicity.

Development History

  • Reading, The Playground Experiment, 2017
  • Reading, The Gallery Players, 2017
  • Reading, Classic Theater Guild, 2009

Production History

  • Professional, IndieWorks Theatre Company, 2019
  • Community Theater, Classic Theater Guild, 2010