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Synopsis: The Cocoanuts

This Marx Brothers romp with music by Irving Berlin takes place in Florida during the 1920s land boom, which was, of course, followed by a bust. Mr. Hammer (Groucho) owns the all-but-bankrupt Cocoanut Hotel, as well the dubious real estate development Cocoanut Manor that he tries to sell off to gullible buyers.

His only clerk and bellhop, Robert Jamison (Zeppo), runs rampant trying to hold the hotel together, all the while planning how to break free and make it big as an architect in order to marry his sweetheart, Polly Potter. They have been hiding their relationship from Polly’s mother, a wealthy member of the upper class who wants nothing less than an eligible match for her daughter.

Harvey Yates, of the “Boston Yates,” sees his opportunity to regain his wealth and pay off his debts by going after Polly. Mrs. Potter readily agrees to match him up with her daughter.

Enter the other Marx Brothers (Chico and Harpo) as thieving, nutty hotel guests. Harvey’s cunning accomplice, Penelope, has a plan to make them both wealthy: steal Mrs. Potter’s very expensive diamond necklace and frame it on someone there at the hotel. With the scheme in place, all chaos and zaniness breaks loose. Meanwhile, Robert and Polly dream of their “little bungalow” together. How will all the plotting and planning turn out? Will the crooks make off with the valuables? Who will get blamed? Will the lovers find happiness? Hold onto your hats for a zany ride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utah Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We hope this Study Guide is helpful. As a note, it is for general knowledge and may not be specifically in reference to our production(s). While you’re here you may want to explore the Festival a bit further. You can learn about this Tony Award-winning theatre company, our plays, and so much more by visiting our home page.

What's On

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Much Ado About Nothing

June 21 - October 5, 2024

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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Henry VIII

June 17 - September 5, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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RADA 2024 Production

July 30-August 3, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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The Winter's Tale

June 18 - September 6, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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Silent Sky

July 12 - October 5, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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The Mountaintop

July 13 - October 5, 2024

Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre

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The 39 Steps

June 22 - October 5, 2024

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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The Taming of the Shrew

June 19 - September 7, 2024

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

© Utah Shakespeare Festival 2024 www.bard.org Cedar City, Utah