"Frank" is a musical based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It is set in contemporary time. Frank is loved by everyone and is always the center of attention. As the play opens we hear The Gloria. Through out the play Gregorian chant is used to set the tone between the mystical realm of faith and the real world. Frank has just made a major business deal and his family and friends celebrate (You’re Rich). He spoofs all the attention by singing (It’s All About Me). At the end of the celebration reality hits, terrorists have attacked his homeland and war is declared. All are asked to serve. Frank in his desire for glory decides he must enlist. Clare, his best friend, is reluctant to have him go (You’re My Best Friend). Yet Frank feels obligated to answer the call (The Mission). Once in the midst of war he is confronted with the sadness it creates. He meets a child whom he protects (Hey Mister Are You God?). An explosion occurs at the end of the scene and he is left to face his fears (The Conversion). He wonders what is happening and calls upon God for help. A voice in the disguise of a soldier reassures him it will be all right and asks him to “rebuild”. Left with this thought he finds himself recovering in a military hospital. As Frank is muttering to himself about rebuilding, the doctor there tells his dad, “Frank is fine physically but perhaps suffering from posttraumatic stress”. Upon his return home a party is thrown for him (Lets Be Frank). Faced with the opulence of the world and what he witnessed in war, Frank walks out (Reprise Lets Be Frank). He meets a homeless man, Emanon, who challenges him to look beyond the world and “jump”. After jumping, not much has changed in the world but Frank has. He believes in order to “rebuild” he must give up the riches of this world for those of another. As he starts giving away all his money and clothes, his family and friends believe he has lost his mind. Frank, now surrounded by street people, his dad tries to talk sense into his son. Frank tells his dad he must move on (Papa). He now sees all people as his family and God as Father. Clare is mystified by the change in her friend and wonders what is this truth that he sees? What power has drawn him away from all that he has grown up with? (Papa Reprise). In a world where all you own is what you can carry, the street people want to know how to live. Frank begins to teach what he has learned (The Rule). The homeless too must give up what is dear to them. Clare and Dad watch this. Dad walks away but Clare is drawn to this world. She sees Frank praying and questions herself about this madman. Finally, she “jumps” and joins her “Brother” on the journey toward peace (The Prayer of St. Francis/Clare’s Conversion).
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