Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Things aren’t looking good for teenager Alex Hansen. He’s awakened in a jail cell, dazed and disoriented, with no memory of how he got there. It turns out he’s on trial for several crimes, including the attempted homicide of his sister. Suddenly, he finds himself fighting for his life against an unfair judge, an incompetent lawyer, and a prosecutor intent on winning. This ensemble one-act is absurdly comedic at times and grim at others, with compelling roles for middle school or high school performers. The play’s themes can also invite conversations about justice and fairness.
Show Information
- Book
- Alan Haehnel
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 2003
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy, Dark Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A courtroom and a jail cell., Present day.
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Playscripts, inc
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, High School, Middle School, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Child Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
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
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright