Cannery Row

An adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel. Approved by the Steinbeck Estate.

Set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, on a street lined with sardine canneries that is known as Cannery Row. The story revolves around the people living there: Lee Chong, the local grocer; Doc, a marine biologist; Mack, the leader of a group of down-and-outs; Dora and the whores of her whorehouse, and a range...

An adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel. Approved by the Steinbeck Estate.

Set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, on a street lined with sardine canneries that is known as Cannery Row. The story revolves around the people living there: Lee Chong, the local grocer; Doc, a marine biologist; Mack, the leader of a group of down-and-outs; Dora and the whores of her whorehouse, and a range of other colourful characters. It is a nostalgic slice-of-life that celebrates camaraderie, contentment and tolerance.

This version includes gender and race-blind casting, with considerable multi-roleing.

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Cannery Row

DOC - owner of the Western Biological Laboratory
LEE CHONG - owner of the Chinese grocery
MACK - leader of the group of men who live in the flophouse
HAZEL - a strong young man who helps DOC collect specimens
FRANKIE - a young boy who attaches himself to DOC
EDDIE, HUGHIE & JONES - flophouse residents
GAY - occasional resident at the flophouse; mechanic
DORA - madam of the Bear Flag whorehouse
EVA, ELSIE & PHYLLIS MAE - whores
HENRI - a painter and boat builder
RICHARD FROST - friend of DOC
ALFRED - bouncer at the Bear Flag
SAM & MRS MALLOY - residents of one of the cannery pipes in the lot
LOU - Greek cook at the Bear Flag
TOM & MARY TALBOT - a couple down on their luck
WILLARD & JOEY - two young boys

PLUS 25 additional characters.

The play can be performed with a minimum cast of 10, suggested as 5M & 5F, although there is flexibility here. Doubling suggestions can be provided.