
Overview
Synopsis
In a run-down apartment in rural Idaho, surrounded by screens and food containers, a six-hundred pound recluse doggedly and determinedly eats himself to death. As he inches closer and closer the inevitable, his friend Liz, a cynical atheist nurse, and Elder Thomas, a young, hopeful Mormon missionary both attempt to find in Charlie the will to be saved, physically and spiritually. However, it is only Charlie’s estranged teenage daughter, the acerbic and bitter Ellie, who can make him see any kind of future beyond his current despair. In Ellie’s words -- stunningly honest, despite her constant barbs -- Charlie finds one last chance for redemption, and perhaps even a bit of hope.
Show Information
- Book
- Samuel D. Hunter
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2002
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- An apartment in Northern Idaho, Present Day
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- small cast, male lead, young characters, ensemble cast, Star Vehicle Male, Regional Theatre, Professional Theatre, Community Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
---|---|---|---|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
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
A reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes featured in theatre as cultural or religious characters. Their representation has appeared in notable works such as satirical musicals and dramas exploring faith and identity.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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