Join North Central Theatre for the annual Winter One Acts! This evening of one act plays promises to be an exciting adventure with comedy and drama.
Next Door
Adapted by David Cooperman from the short Story by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Comedy Cast Size: 9 Rating: PG Approx. run time: 25 minutes Directed by Zoe Richardson
Plot: Before the film “Home Alone” there was Vonnegut’s “Next Door.” It’s a story of Paul Leonard, a nine-year-old boy left at home to deal with is immature big brother, Joe. Paul also must contend with the constant fighting of the Hargers, his next-door neighbors. When Joe abandons Paul, the Hargers get in a near murderous fight that only the boy can prevent. Paul calls for the help of All-Night Sam, the Hargers favorite radio host. All-Night Sam comes to the rescue, but Paul has wrongly assumed that Mr. Harger is fighting with his wife, creating a comically frightful situation.
Honeymoon Motel
by Woody Allen
Comedy Cast size: 10 Rating: PG-13 Approx. run time: 20-25 minutes Directed by Susie Sullivan
Plot: Nina, in a wedding dress, and Jerry, in a nice suite, enter the honeymoon suite at a local motel. Soon, Ed, a guest from the wedding enters, and reveals that Jerry is Nina’s stepfather. Jerry objected to the marriage and they ran off together. More character enter revealing more and more of the story of how they ended up together, as well as past conflicts and other family issues. Other characters include a psychologist, a rabbi, and an ex-wife, as well as the philosophical pizza man. This play does not place great importance on themes like betrayal/love but is rather a modern absurdist farce. However, it does briefly explore the absurd dynamic of familial relationships, and how ridiculous their squabbling is.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher Drama Cast Size: 15-20 Rating: PG Approx. run time: 45-50 minutes Directed by Mason Perry
Plot: You know the story. In this adaptation, Hyde is played by several actors and focuses on the split personality more than the mean, angry man. It’s a fascinating version that I’ve really been into since reading it.
