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Introduction to the Musical
Opening credits and introduction for an audiobook; also serves as a descriptive overview
Studio Cast Recording album
Twelve chapters of narration and music that outline the background, events, and effects of the Experiment
Individual chapters are available below.
Prolog: Motivation
The Narrator explains why he’s sharing his experiences and observations, through first-person narration and recollections of popular songs from that week in history, about a life-changing event.
(Includes verse 1 of cover of “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart”, Bee Gees, #1 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Scene 1: Ideation
Phil explores his desire to understand the psychological elements of prisons, prisoners, and guards.
(Includes parody of “I Just Want To Celebrate”, Rare Earth, #22 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Scene 2: Preparation
Phil and his team do the planning and lay the foundations for the Experiment.
(Includes parody of “Riders on the Storm”, The Doors, #16 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Scene 3: Confrontation
The prisoners don’t take the situation seriously, and the guards push back harshly.
(Includes parody of “Mr. Big Stuff”, Jean Knight, #2 single for August 15-21, 1971 )
Scene 4: Lamentation
The prisoners start to worry that the situation is real, that they have no rights, and that there’s no way out.
(Includes parody of “Indian Reservation”, Paul Revere & The Raiders, #11 single for August 15-21, 1971 )
Scene 5: Escalation
The guards exercise increasing power over the prisoners.
(Includes parody of “Sweet Hitchhiker”, Creedence Clearwater Revival, #6 single for August 15-21, 1971 )
Scene 6: Resignation
The prisoners begin to abandon hope and to adapt to their “new normal”.
(Includes parody of “Draggin’ the Line”, Tommy James & the Shondells, #9 single for August 15-21, 1971 )
Scene 7: Agitation
The guards force the prisoners to blame and to ostracize Prisoner #819.
(Includes parody of “409”, Beach Boys, released 1962)
Scene 8: Revelation
Christina sees what is happening, confronts Phil, and pleads for termination of the Experiment.
(Includes parody of “Don’t Pull Your Love”; Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds; #31 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Scene 9: Termination
Phil brings the Experiment to a halt, as he, a guard, and Christina wrestle with the enormity of what happened – and whether its end was just in time or already too late.
(Includes parody of “It’s Too Late”, Carole King, #13 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Scene 10: Rumination
A guard and Phil reflect with regret on what happened during the Experiment;
Christina characterizes the Experiment as an archetype of “everyday evil” and challenges everyone to resist falling mindlessly into antagonistic roles.
(Includes parody of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”, Tony Bennett, released 1962)
Epilog: Application
The Narrator recounts the repercussions of the Stanford Prison Experiment on institutions and on individuals, then summarizes the vital relevance of lessons learned.
(Includes verse 2 of cover of “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”, Bee Gees, #1 single for August 15-21, 1971)
Preface to the Musical
Preface for an audiobook, in which the Author recounts how and why the Musical came to exist.
For further information…
- YouTube playlist of the ten original songs being parodied [opens in new tab]: Original songs
- Webpage [opens in new tab]: Stanford Prison Experiment: The Musical and the event behind it