Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Heiress Elaine Wheeler is haunted by the horrific memory of her first husband’s affair and death, both of which she discovered at the same time. Afflicted with lifelong insomnia and aimlessly wandering her New York City townhouse one night, she sees something horrific in the building across the street. But nobody can find any evidence that what she saw actually happened. Her tender husband John and best friend Blanche try to convince Elaine that she is letting her nerves get the best of her, but the eccentric neighbor Appleby and testy German maid Helga start to hint that what is going on may not be what it seems. Lucille Fletcher’s Night Watch is equal parts film noir and psychological thriller with a gripping lead role for a strong female actor.
Show Information
- Book
- Lucille Fletcher
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1972
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A townhouse sitting room in New York City, 1972
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Star Vehicle Female, College/University, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
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
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A cinematic genre marked by moral ambiguity and visual starkness, influencing theatre with themes of fatalism and anti-heroes.
A form of psychological manipulation portrayed in realist theatre to explore control, power, and abuse.
A borough of NYC often depicted in urban theatre to explore culture, struggle, and resilience.
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