Overview
Synopsis
Drifter Frank Chambers stumbles his way into the Twin Oaks Tavern, a roadside diner owned by friendly Greek immigrant Nick Papadakis. Nick hires Frank to help out at the garage and filling station--but Frank’s attentions are consumed by Cora, Nick’s young and beautiful wife. Frank and Cora begin a passionate, sometimes violent affair, and decide that to be together, they must get rid of Nick. Their first murder attempt fails, but fate pulls them into a second deadly chance that tests their love and commitment. Based on James M. Cain’s novel that inspired the crime noir genre, Jon Jory’s retelling of The Postman Always Rings Twice is a blend of passion, murder, and deception that will keep audiences hooked until the final crash.
Show Information
- Book
- Jon Jory
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the 1934 novel The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2018
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- 1934, southern California
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Dramatic Publishing Co.
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
James M. Cain’s novel The Postman Always Rings Twice has a long history of adaptations. In 1936, a production ran for 72 performances at the Lyceum Theatre, written by Cain and then staged by director Robert Sinclair. Cautiously, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bought the film rights; because of the themes of adultery and murder within the story producers were hesitant to invest. However, the success of Cain’s novella Double Indemnity established an audience and appetite for such a story. These two
to read the context for The Postman Always Rings Twice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Frank Chambers brushes hay from his clothes. A truck driver approaches him, angry that not only has Frank hitched a ride on his truck, but that he also kicked three hay bales from the bed--money that comes from the driver’s pocket. The driver punches and kicks Frank, leaving him battered by the side of the road. Frank hikes down the road until he reaches Twin Oaks Tavern, a roadside diner and filling station owned by Nick Papadakis, a friendly Greek immigrant with a lovely young
to read the plot for The Postman Always Rings Twice and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
|
|
|
Lead |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
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
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress