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

Charlie

Lead

Male

Spoken

Liz

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Elder Thomas

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Ellie

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Mary

Featured

Female

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

    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.

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Becca Ballenger

Becca Ballenger