Learning Guide: Falsettos

A group of people in colorful outfits are roller skating. They are in a line. — Photo of Elizabeth Stenholt, Charlie Long, Stephen Schellhardt, Jackson Evans, Jack Ball, Sarah Bockel, and Sharriese Hamilton by Michael Brosilow.

Check out these resources for academics, enthusiasts, and educators to support your learning and viewing of Falsettos, produced in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company.

Dive into this gay musical odyssey – featuring music and lyrics by William Finn, and book by William Finn and James Lapine – directed by Nick Bowling.

Background

Synopsis and Characters: Read a detailed synopsis of the play and get to know the characters of Falsettos.
Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design: Explore the historical context embedded in Falsettos, its dramaturgy, and the design of Court Theatre’s production, presented in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company.

Activities and Resources

Glossary: Familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary words from the play.
Pre-Show Classroom Activity: Engage students in their very own version of The Game of Life, inspired by the games that are featured in Falsettos.
Pre-Show Identity Activity: Explore the many identities you carry and how they chafe against, and are soothed by, the world around you.
Post-Show Discussion Activity: Dive into discussion questions to explore themes and impressions of Falsettos.
Post-Show Classroom Activity: When words fail, sing! Invite students to create their own version of a sung-through story using songs or an album that they love.

Articles

In Conversation: Director Nick Bowling, Movement Director William Carlos Angulo, and Music Director Otto Vogel: Hear from the creatives bringing William Finn and James Lapine’s gay musical odyssey to life.
Falsettos Now and Then: An Aging Text Offers Perspectives on Growing Up: Production Dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal explores the knowledge gap underpinning Falsettos and how it impacts this musical’s modern relevance.
Taking a Cue from the Lesbians, Dykes, and Shiksas of Falsettos: What kind of feminist hope is there for Falsettoland? Professor Jennifer Brier, PhD, has some ideas.
Continuing the Conversation: Combat invisibility with information, and dive into some of the real-life applications of the themes in Falsettos.