Overview

Synopsis

This unique comedy is a hybrid of regular play and “radio play for the stage” set in a New York radio studio in the 1950’s. The plot surrounds a cast of voice actors who must soldier through Dickens’ A Christmas Carol while facing the loss of their star, their sound effects person and three of their voice actors. The most versatile actor is quite drunk but won’t perform unless the other actors join him in a tipple, despite the threat of firing from the prickly station owner, Mrs. Nettle. This play is great fun to both watch and perform as there is ample opportunity for ad libbed hijinks behind the mics where the radio play is being performed.

Show Information

Book
Chris McKerracher
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
2014
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Minimal to full radio station recording studio, New York, 1950s
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Deborah Taylor

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Gladys Nettle

Ensemble

Female

Spoken

Buddy Brown

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Betty Carr

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Leslie Turner

Ensemble

Either Gender

Spoken

Lance Boyle

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Clara Brown

Ensemble

Female

Spoken

Doris Knight

Ensemble

Female

Spoken

Ronald Niven

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Actor

    An actor is a performer who portrays a character in theatre, film, or television through voice, movement, and emotional expression. Actors interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and bring stories to life for audiences. The term applies to performers of any gender.

    Ad Lib

    An ad lib is an unscripted line or action improvised by an actor during performance. It may be used to cover mistakes, respond to unexpected circumstances, or enhance realism. While sometimes encouraged in comedy, it is generally controlled by the director’s vision.

    Dialect

    A specific form of language tied to a region or group, used to reveal a character’s identity, background, or class.

Videos

Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher