Overview

Synopsis

Nadia, a Yale professor and former war correspondent, travels with her fiancé, Philip, to England to visit with his reclusive father, Oliver. A doctor and serial philanderer, Oliver welcomes the young couple to his remote home near the Welsh border. Throughout their stay, Nadia and Oliver engage in passionate discussions about love, death, marriage, family, and politics. Through these conversations, Nadia is forced to reevaluate her staunch beliefs and her relationship with Philip. Meanwhile, Philip struggles to balance his estranged relationship with his father and his blossoming relationship with Nadia. Examining the contradictions of personal philosophies and public politics, David Hare’s The Vertical Hour is an excellent choice for a small cast and a great star female vehicle,

Show Information

Book
David Hare
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2006
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
Shropshire, UK and Yale University, 2010s
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Elderly, Adult, Young Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Nadia Blye

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Philip Lucas

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Oliver Lucas

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Dennis Dutton

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Terri Scholes

Featured

Female

Non-singer

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

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Emma Houlahan

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.