The Land is Bright
(1941)
By George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber
Cast size: 19 men, 13 women; one interior set
In their desire to rise up the social ladder over the ensuing decades, they encounter challenges to the roots of their fortune, and gradually learn the nature of patriotic sacrifice in order to become true Americans.
Manuscript only; contact: laurence.maslon@nyu.edu
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The Plot
Another dynastic epic from the typewriters of Kaufman and Ferber, but this time with a serious tone and a pointed intention.
The Kincaid family has made its money from some pretty rough-and-ready tactics during the Western expansion of the railroads in the 19th Century. In their desire to rise up the social ladder over the ensuing decades, they encounter challenges to the roots of their fortune, and gradually learn the nature of patriotic sacrifice in order to become true Americans.
As World War II glimmers in the background, Kaufman and Ferber make a case for the duty of all Americans to bond together for a common good.
Other Plays in the Catalogue
The original 1922 production of Merton ran for 398 performances, at a time when half that number of performances could make a hit. It has been rarely revived, although a production at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater in 1974 starred Michael Moriarty and a successful version was performed in Los Angeles' Geffen Theater in 1998, directed by John Rando.
By Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Cast size: 20 men, 19 women, plus extras; 5 sets. Once in a Lifetime opened at the Music Box Theatre on September 24, 1930 and ran for 305 performances.
A dramatic epic story of assimilation, patriotism and prejudice in America. Kaufman and Hart’s most serious play, The American Way galvanized audiences at the large Century Theater in Rockefeller Center in the last days of the 1930s; it starred Frederic March as the leading character.
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Contact Us Today
Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?
Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.
Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals and Music Theatre International respectively.
If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:
In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
CPK Artists, LLC
In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
Alan Brodie Representation
For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:
Laurence Maslon
Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate
