Doctor Dolittle JR.
The famous doctor from literature and film lights up the stage in this magical tale of adventure, unlikely friendships and animal communication.
Show Essentials
22
Roles
+ Ensemble
G
Rated
1
Act

Full Synopsis

We are introduced to the world of Doctor Dolittle and the animals who inhabit it ("Doctor Dolittle"). Madeline and Tommy reveal that the Doctor is loved by everyone in the village of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh ("My Friend, the Doctor").

After a particularly unsuccessful appointment with General Bellowes, Doctor Dolittle decides to become an animal doctor and vows to have Polynesia, the parrot, teach him all of the animal languages she knows ("Talk to the Animals – Part 1"). He quickly learns to say, "Good Morning," to his dog, Jip, in Dog and celebrates his achievement ("Talk to the Animals – Part 2").

Five years later, Doctor Dolittle has learned almost 500 animal languages, has a thriving practice and is planning a big adventure to seek out the Great Pink Sea Snail ("The Time of Our Lives"). A visit from Emma Fairfax, the niece of General Bellowes, ends on a sour note, but the mood soon brightens with the arrival of the Pushmi-Pullyu, a two-headed llama. This gift has been sent by a friend to help Doctor Dolittle raise funds for his quest. He takes the Pushmi-Pullyu to Albert Blossom of Blossom's Mammoth Circus ("I've Never Seen Anything Like It – Part 1") and makes a deal to present the unique animal for a limited four-week engagement ("I've Never Seen Anything Like It – Part 2"), with an even split of the profits.

Doctor Dolittle earns enough money from the circus to go on his journey, but makes good on a promise to help Sophie the seal escape the circus and reunite with her husband. This act of friendship lands Doctor Dolittle in court. Though he proves that he was only helping the seal, and that he can indeed talk to animals, the doctor is committed to an asylum by the magistrate, General Bellowes. Doctor Dolittle protests ("Like Animals"), but is sent away, leaving Polynesia and Madeline to plan a rescue.

Having escaped from the authorities, Doctor Dolittle "borrows" a boat owned by General Bellowes to set off on his quest to find the Great Pink Sea Snail. Emma is discovered on board, and she questions the doctor's navigational strategy ("Fabulous Places").

They set off for Sea Star Island and, after encountering a storm at sea, end up shipwrecked in the very place they were looking for. There, the travelers discover Straight Arrow, the friend who sent the Pushmi-Pullyu to Doctor Dolittle. Straight Arrow explains that Sea Star Island is an animal sanctuary ("Save the Animals").

Doctor Dolittle's dream finally comes true with the arrival of the Great Pink Sea Snail to the island. They converse in Escargot, and the Snail agrees to take the doctor's friends back home. Doctor Dolittle explains that he will not be returning to Puddleby, and the friends share a tearful goodbye before departing in the Snail.

Back home, Emma tries to talk some sense into her uncle with the help of the animals ("The Voice of Protest"). It works, and Bellowes declares Doctor Dolittle innocent of any wrongdoing. The cheers of the crowd are interrupted by the triumphant return of Doctor Dolittle to Puddleby-on-the-Marsh ("Finale").

Casting
← Back to Doctor Dolittle JR.
Cast Size: Flexible Cast Size
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown

Doctor John Dolittle

An eccentric country doctor who loves animals more than people. He is smart, passionate, driven and the consummate optimist, always looking for the best in every situation. Cast your very best singer and actor in this role.

Madeline Mugg
Dolittle's sassy friend who thoroughly enjoys the adventures she goes on with Dolittle. Madeline is Dolittle's compatriot, sharing his love and views of animals. This is a perfect role for a good singer who can act and has comic timing.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Tommy Stubbins
A happy-go-lucky kid who idolizes Doctor Dolittle and enjoys playing with the animals. Cast one of your high-spirited younger students who can act and sing.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: D#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Emma Fairfax
A strong, tough woman who is willing to speak her mind. She learns to appreciate Dolittle's love of animals and grows to have feelings for him. Find a great singer and actor who can command the stage.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3
General Bellowes
Emma's uncle and the magistrate of Puddleby-On-The-Marsh. An ill-tempered man with limited people skills, this non-singing role is perfect for a student with good stage presence and a powerful speaking voice.
Gender: male
Albert Blossom
A shrewd business man who owns a dilapidated touring circus. This curmudgeonly old guy is a nice character role for a solid singer and actor.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Gertie Blossom
One tough cookie. She is Albert's wife and makes sure the circus runs the way she wants it to. Cast an actress who is very grounded and is able to speak with a heavy European accent.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: E4
Berta

A worker in Blossom's circus. Each of these smaller roles have to show lots of personality with only a few solo singing lines, so cast quirky character actors who can hold a tune.

Gender: female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Vladimir

A worker in Blossom's circus. Each of these smaller roles have to show lots of personality with only a few solo singing lines, so cast quirky character actors who can hold a tune.

Gender: male
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C4
Mavis

A worker in Blossom's circus. Each of these smaller roles have to show lots of personality with only a few solo singing lines, so cast quirky character actors who can hold a tune.

Gender: female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Straight Arrow
A well-educated and passionate man living the life of a warrior chief on Popsipetel Island. He's warm and embracing to both humans and animals. Cast a strong singer, male or female, who can convey Straight Arrow's power and passion.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Bailiff
A small non-singing role perfect for a young student who is new to the the stage.
Gender: any
Villagers
All acquaintances of Doctor Dolittle. This group doubles as your chorus.
Gender: any
Cirucs Folk
These can be your Villagers or they could be a completely different group of students. Try to cast students who have special skills, such as tumbling or juggling, to give the scene a circus-like authenticity.
Gender: any
Warriors
Inhabitants of Popsipetel Island. Cast strong singers and dancers for these roles. Feel free to use the Villagers and Circus Folk kids here too.
Gender: any
Polynesia
Doctor Dolittle's intelligent, spunky assistant: his right-hand parrot. She speaks in English with the Humans, and she is often the one with the answers. Cast an actor with a big personality and one of your strongest singers in this role. And if your actor is shorter than Dolittle, it is even better.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Jip
Dolittle's ever-faithful dog. Cast a performer who has a lot of energy and is able to move quickly around the whole stage.
Gender: any
Herbert
A quiet hedgehog who likes to sit in Doctor Dolittle's chair. This is a perfect role for a shy student who is new to the stage.
Gender: any
Dab-dab
A pet duck. Cast a student who is a good mover and is willing to act a little goofy.
Gender: any
Toggle
A nearsighted plough-horse who comes to Doctor Dolittle for glasses. Toggle is one of the calmer animals, so keep that in mind when casting this role.
Gender: any
Sheila
A fox who has been hurt by a hunter's trap. This is another quieter role, perfect for a new kid in your program.
Gender: female
Pushmi-pullyu
A two-headed llama. This is a great featured-dancing role for two solid dancers who can work together to appear as one animal.
Gender: any
Rufus
Bellowes' big, energetic dog. He should be portrayed by someone who is larger-than- life and enjoys playing to a crowd.
Gender: any
Chee-chee
A monkey who is capable of steering a ship. Cast a student with a good sense of humor. The actor playing Chee-Chee needs to be willing to jump around the stage.
Gender: any
Sophie
A seal and non-speaking role. She has just a short moment onstage, so this is a great place to spotlight one of your ensemble members.
Gender: female
Additional Animals
In the opening number, Doctor Dolittle's clinic and in the "The Voice of Protest." Feel free to add whatever type of animals you and your cast want. This is a great opportunity to cast anyone who wants to be in the show!
Gender: any
Ensemble
Bailiff, Villagers, Circus Folk, Warriors, Additional Animals
Gender: any
Full Song List
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Doctor Dolittle
Doctor Dolittle JR.: My Friend the Doctor Transition
Doctor Dolittle JR.: My Friend the Doctor
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Talk to the Animals (Part 1)
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Talk to the Animals (Part 2)
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Puddleby-On-The-Marsh
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Time of Our Lives
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Entrance of the Pushmi-Pullyu
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Blossom Sees Double
Doctor Dolittle JR.: I've Never Seen Anything Like It (Part 1)
Doctor Dolittle JR.: I've Never Seen Anything Like It (Part 2)
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Circus Playout
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Beautiful Things
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Bellowes' Judgement
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Like Animals
Doctor Dolittle JR.: End of Scene 6
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Fabulous Places
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Storm
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Arrival of the Popsipetelans
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Save the Animals
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Entrance of Jean-Claude
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Goodbyes
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Exit of Jean-Claude
Doctor Dolittle JR.: The Voice of Protest
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Finale
Doctor Dolittle JR.: Bows

Connect

Curriculum Connection

  • Languages
  • Zoology
  • Animal Care
  • Geography
  • Foreign Currency
  • Perseverance
  • Communication

Billing

Based on the "Doctor Dolittle" stories by Hugh Lofting and The Twentieth Century Fox film.

Requirements

You must give the authors/creators billing credits, as specified in the Production Contract, in a conspicuous manner on the first page of credits in all programs and on houseboards, displays and in all other advertising announcements of any kind.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.

In accordance with the Dramatic Performing Rights License, all advertising, such as posters and program covers, must include the show logo as provided in the ShowKit® Director's Guide and all of the following author billing.

It is a violation of your contract if you crop or edit this logo in any way.
[name of school]
Production of 
 
 
Book, Music and Lyrics by LESLIE BRICUSSE
(50% of title)
 
Based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and
The Twentieth Century Fox film
(37.5%)
 
Dr. Dolittle originally produced in the United States
by the Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh, PA
Van Kaplan, Executive Producer
(20%)

Video Warning

In accordance with the Performance License, you MUST include the following warning in all programs and in a pre-show announcement:

ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Included Materials

ItemQuantity Included
ACTOR'S BOOK30
DIRECTOR'S GUIDE1
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND MEDIA1
GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL1
PIANO VOCAL SCORE1

Production Resources

Resource
ACTOR'S BOOK TENPACK
FAMILY MATTERS (PACK OF 10)
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON?
LOGO PACK DIGITAL
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT SMALL
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT X-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT XX-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD SMALL
FAMILY MATTERS