Li'l Abner The Musical

Music by Gene de Paul, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Book by Norman Panama & Melvin Frank

Recommended Resources

Plot Summary & Audition Tips

List of Characters in Li'l Abner

Li'l Abner 1959 Film Version

Li'l Abner 1956 Original Broadway Cast Recording

Li'l Abner (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - Download The Album Now!  

Based on Al Capp's cartoon characters.

This "hillbilly nonsense" musical is centred around Dogpatch, U.S.A. In this town, drinking Kickapoo Joy Juice, fishing, and the Sadie Hawkins Day Dance are everyone's main concern.

This is, of course, until the government conducts a study that deems Dogpatch to be an unnecessary place, to be evacuated so that the area can be used for atomic testing.

The remainder of the action follows our main characters' attempts to show that Dogpatch is a "necessary" place after all, despite the interference of General Bullmoose and his girlfriend.

Lil' Abner requires a number of "strapping young men" who need to do little more than look good in a swimsuit.

There are five production numbers, but the choreography needn't be difficult.

Li'l Abner Yokum (Tenor)

A beefy, strong, sincere but not-so-bright Southern stud

Daisy Mae (Mezzo)

Abner's devoted girlfriend. Innocent, shapely, Donna Dixon type.

Mammy Yokum

Abner's dominating mother

Father Yokum

Abner's henpecked father

Marryin' Sam (Tenor)

Loud and good-natured marriage broker.

Earthquake McGoon (Bass)

Senator Jack S. Phogbound

General Bullmoose (Baritone)

An evil "entrepeneur"

Appasionata Von Climax

Bullmoose's shapely girlfriend

Jubilation T. Cornpone

Dogpatch's founder

Dr. Finsdale (Baritone)
Dr. Smithborn (Baritone)
Dr. Krogmeyer (Baritone)
Dr. Schleifetz (Baritone)
Small-Medium chorus of townsfolk

Li'l Abner Links - Related Websites

Audition Preparation Suggestions

List of Songs in Li'l Abner

Li'l Abner (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - Download The Album Now!  

• A Typical Day 
• If I Had My Druthers
• Jubilation T. Cornpone
• Rag Off'n The Bush 
• Dogpatch Dance 
• Namely You (Abner & Daisy)
• Unnecessary Town 
• What's Good For General Bullmoose 
• There's Room Enough For Us 
• The Country's In The Very Best Of Hands 
• Sadie Hawkins Ballet 
• Oh, Happy Day 
• I'm Past My Prime  
• Love In A Home
• Progress Is The Root Of All Evil (General Bullmoose)
• In Society 
• Progress Is The Root Of All Evil (reprise) 
• Put 'em Back  
• Namely You (reprise) 
• The Matrimonial Stomp 
• Put 'Em Back (reprise) 
• The Matrimonial Stomp (reprise) 
• Jubilation T. Cornpone (Finale)