I Remember Mama (play)

I Remember Mama
Playbill for the 1944 play, I Remember Mama
Written by	John Van Druten, based on Kathryn Forbes' novel, Mama's Bank Account
Characters	Mama Uncle Chris Katrin Christine Dagmar Arne Nels Florence Dana Moorhead Aunt Jenny Aunt Trina
Mute	October 19, 1944
Place premiered	Music Box Theatre, New York City
Original language	English
Genre	Comedy
Setting	In and around San Francisco in the early 20th century

I Remember Mama is a play by John Van Druten based on Kathryn Forbes' novel Mama's Bank Account, which was loosely based on her childhood. It is a study of family life centered on a Norwegian immigrant family in San Francisco early in the 20th century. The play premiered on Broadway on October 19, 1944 at the Music Box Theatre in New York City, where it ran for 713 performances; it was produced by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The cast included Mady Christians, Oscar Homolka, and Joan Tetzel. Marlon Brando played a minor role, making his Broadway debut as Nels.

The play revolves around the life of a loving Norwegian immigrant family, the Hansons, living on Steiner Street in San Francisco soon after the turn of the 20th century. Told through the nostalgic eye of Katrin, one of three daughters, it is the story of a working-class family trying to live the American dream. Papa Hanson is a blue-collar worker; he and Mama attempt to raise their four children so that they understand the difference between right and wrong, between selfishness and selflessness. They are assisted by Mama's uncle, Uncle Chris, whose gruff exterior hides his inner charm and generosity.

Mama and Papa (Marta and Lars) believe in hard work and a good education. They struggle to put their son, Nels, through high school, as each member of the family sacrifices in order to accomplish this. They are warm and affectionate to each other, but very frugal in their use of funds. The three aunts, Jenny, Sigrid and Trina, offer a counterpoint, as the first two are usually selfish and petty, while Aunt Trina is mostly kind.

Through their hard work, wise financial decisions, and creative common sense, Mama and Papa manage to raise and educate their children.

The play opened at the Music Box Theatre in New York City on October 19, 1944, starring Mady Christians, Richard Biship, Joan Tetzel and Oscar Homolka. The production also marked the Broadway debut of a young actor by the name of Marlon Brando. I Remember Mama was a successful production, running for 713 performances before it closed on June 29, 1946.

(Cast list as per Internet Broadway Database)