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Overview
Synopsis
Angel City is Sam Shepard’s surreal satire of the myth that is Hollywood. Lanx and Wheeler, two hauntingly peculiar movie producers, are desperate to salvage a failing movie project. They summon Rabbit, a stuntman living in the desert, to work his magic and turn it into a disaster flick with a character that transcends anything audiences have seen. Drawn to the mystical allure of Hollywood, Rabbit instead finds himself in a world where creativity is dead and greed reigns supreme. Rounding out an ensemble of disjointed characters is Miss Scoons, the office secretary who dreams of being an actress, and Tympani, who longs to own a diner but seems resigned to his Sisyphean existence trying to find an original rhythm. Shepard wrote the play after a bad experience in a Hollywood office, and every line drips with cynicism. Angel City depicts Hollywood as a stale, oppressive crucible void of creativity ruined by greed and ambition.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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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
A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
A dramatic work that includes incidental music or songs, but is not classified as a full musical. Music supports mood and storytelling without dominating the narrative.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A dramatic style focused on dreamlike imagery and illogical scenes to explore the subconscious or challenge realism.
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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