‘John Henry vs the Robot’ is as original as it sounds at Great Hall Theatrics
While this production is not perfect it won me over with its creativity and heart.
Rachel Wagner, Rachel Reviews Theatre
Read the review
Musical licensing
John Henry vs. the Robot
A folk hero. A robot dad. One musical comedy showdown over what makes us human.
10+ actors≈ 1.5 hoursFrom $459
The story
When Bobby's mom brings home the world's most advanced robot to be his new father, Bobby goes looking for the one hero who can still beat a machine: John Henry.
Why bring it to your stage?
A compact folk-hero musical comedy with a modern technology twist and plenty of ensemble energy.
- Good for younger or mixed-experience casts
- Can feel large with an expandable ensemble
- Works for programs that need a brisk, family-friendly show
At a glance
- Cast
- 10+ actors
- Runtime
- ≈ 1.5 hours
- Best for
- Shorter musical slots; Schools; Family audiences
- Difficulty
- Accessible
- Music
- Folk-flavored comedy numbers with approachable audition materials.
- Content rating
- PG (appropriate for children)
- Content notes
- Folk-hero comedy, technology satire, and family-friendly competition stakes.
- Staging
- Simple staging can work well; the robot element can be as practical or as playful as your shop allows.
- Accompaniment
- Recorded rehearsal and performance tracks included with a standard musical license.
Characters & casting
6 listed roles / role groups; 10+ actors. See the script for doubling and ensemble details.
- John Henry
- male, African-American, the legendary man of steel himself
- Bobby
- male/female, a youth who still believes in magic and doesn't want a robot for a father
- Gramps/Granny
- male/female, Bobby's technologically-illiterate grandfather or grandmother, laments about the good-old-days when folks still had character, rediscovers childlike magic
- Polly (Mama)
- female, Bobby's mother, down-to-earth, no-nonsense, lonely
- Mach 21
- male, the most advanced robot in the world, even when it comes to wooing women
- The John Henry Singers
- female, narrators, chorus girls
Plan your license
- Base license, 3 performances
- $459
Estimated license$459
Digital script, score, recorded tracks, and available production artwork included. USD.
Taking this to your team?
Bring the story, production needs, samples, and licensing price to your season meeting.
Open the director packetGet to know the show
Folk-flavored comedy numbers with approachable audition materials.
Full digital materials are delivered after payment. Peruse the script and score for your cast's vocal ranges and your community's content standards.
What audiences say
John Henry vs. the Robot
On stage: production photos & video
Production questions?
Ask about casting, vocal requirements, staging, or the rights your production needs.
Licensing essentials
Standard licenses include three public performances and digital materials. Additional performances are calculated in your estimate. Invoice and purchase-order requests are welcome.
Payment, delivery, refunds, and special rights