Overview
Synopsis
Jim Stark is once again the new kid in town. He feels detached from everyone, especially his own family, who pick up and move whenever he gets into trouble. But Jim is hopeful that this time they will stay and he can have a fresh start. He makes a new friend, Plato--a slightly odd but eager kid, ready to be a buddy and hang out with Jim. He also catches the eye of Judy, a neighbor girl who tries to play it cool. But right away, Jim finds himself confronted by Buzz Gunderson, the leader of the local gang (and Judy’s boyfriend). To prove himself and his courage, Jim agrees to a chicken run: Each boy will drive a stolen car towards the edge of the cliff, as fast as they can. The first one to jump is chicken. But when this test of honor goes horribly wrong, Jim is confronted with much deadlier consequences than a fight after school. Before the night is over, Jim will have to not only save himself, but protect his new family of Judy and Plato from the vengeful gang. Based on the 1955 iconic movie of the same name, Rebel Without a Cause is an excellent character study for young actors.
Show Information
- Book
- James Fuller
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1958
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- 1950s, American suburb
- Cast Size
- large
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Dramatic Publishing Co.
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Late Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Early Teen, Elderly, Young Adult Characters
Context
In 1944, Robert M. Lindner published his book Rebel Without a Cause: The Hypnoanalysis of a Criminal Psychopath. The book itself was a case study on criminal behavior, inspired by Lindner’s time as a psychologist and psychiatrist for the Maryland Department of Correction. This book--especially its investigation of what could make someone become a criminal--was fascinating for screenwriters. While a studio bought the rights to the book so it could be turned into a film (at one point Marlon
to read the context for Rebel Without a Cause and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Late evening, a dark street. An older man is walking along, whistling and carrying some packages. Suddenly, Buzz approaches, asking for a cigarette. As the man nervously complies, Buzz’s gang (Moose, Goon, Crunch, Helen, and Millie) emerge from the shadows. Buzz offers to light the cigarette--but violently punches the man as he leans in. The rest of the gang pounces, and the lights go out.
The lights come up on an empty stage. Jim Stark wanders in, and sees the packages strewn on
to read the plot for Rebel Without a Cause and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
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
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
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