Overview
Synopsis
Speed-the-Plow is one of Mamet's business plays, this one exploring the relationship between business and art. Newly-promoted studio executive Bobby Gould and his lower-ranked associate Charlie Fox appear to have found their ticket to glory: a buddy prison movie starring A-list actor Doug Brown. They just need to convince the studio boss and get a firm deal in place before the next morning, or Doug is out. But when Bobby’s temp secretary, Karen, manages to seduce him into adapting a niche novel instead, he realizes a harsh truth: most people will only care about him for his power. Speed-the-Plow is a satire of Hollywood and studio consumerism, rich with Mamet’s trademark language and machismo energy. The title comes from the phrase “God speed the plow”, about the value of work.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright