Addressing complex social issues in a realistic way authenticates a “problem play.”
I, of course, am humming a chorus from The Sound of Music about the other melodious Maria. In actuality, you might say that it’s West Side Story that qualifies as a true “problem” musical. Or maybe, since both deal with real-world problems either/both get the designation?
Now that we’ve solved A Problem Like Maria, I will move on to the problem which inspired my post. It was Dolly begging Jolene to let her man be.
The fact that Ms. Parton addresses a real life social issue in her plea allows me to consider this 🎵 🎶 song in the tradition of problem plays. The lineage includes not only Bill Shakespeare but also the enigmatic Henrik Ibsen.
It is my nature to prefer the solutions to the problems. This character trait leads me to wonder what to do to prevent the song’s 💔 heartbreak.
Would it solve anything if Jolene with her auburn locks and emerald eyes just packed up and left town?
Take Note 