Synopsis

Amidst the dawn of the ‘New World’, a rebellion arises. A chorus of old trees reflect upon their unhurried way of life, while younger trees impatiently protest that they ‘want to see the world’. As prophesied by a trio of wild geese, a blue moon heralds the birth of Paul Bunyan, a man who will alter the pattern of life: ‘It is America, but not yet…’

A fresh spring morning reveals a clearing in the forest, as the first act opens and our hero, the giant Paul Bunyan, calls together a band of Swedish lumberjacks. There is an argument among them as to who should be the leader, only to be interrupted by a telegram from the King of Sweden announcing the arrival of ‘the finest logger in the kingdom’, Hel Helson. Together with him, the clerk Johnny Inkslinger and a courageous band of pioneers set about reshaping the landscape, only after a warning: the melancholy ‘Quartet of the Defeated’ is a chilling reminder that the American ideal is imperfect, and that people can be ruined by greed and selfishness.

The hardy Swedes soon become dissatisfied with their treatment, even complaining about the lack of variety in the cooking; as we have already heard from the two cooks, Sam Sharkey and Ben Benny, meals comprise either soup or beans. After offending them with complaints, it seems that the camp are stuck for food, until their prayers are answered with the arrival of a good cook, Hot Biscuit Slim, who proves to be their ‘angel in disguise’. A love interest develops between him and Paul’s beautiful daughter, Tiny, who arrives sad at the death of her mother.

In the second act, suspicion and doubt arise in the camp as a power struggle emerges, following a call for farmers. After a tremendous fight between Helson and Paul, they see that they must unite together if they are to realise their dream.

At a raucous Christmas party Paul gathers together his followers to celebrate the taming of the wilderness. During the festivities, the engagement of Slim and Tiny is announced; another telegram arrives, which turns out to be Inkslinger’s ‘big break’; and Helson’s leadership of the lumberjacks is acknowledged. Paul prepares to leave, but not without reminding the people of their duty: ‘America is what you do…America is what you choose to make it.’