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

Book
Sam Shepard
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1976
Genres
Satire
Settings
Contemporary, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Hollywood, California
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Rabbit Brown

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Wheeler

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Lanx

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Tympani

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Miss Scoons

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Sax

Featured

Male

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

    Direct Address

    A performance technique where an actor speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall for dramatic or comedic effect.

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    Play with Music

    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

    A genre or technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human folly or societal flaws. Satire is common in political and literary theatre.

    Surreal

    A dramatic style focused on dreamlike imagery and illogical scenes to explore the subconscious or challenge realism.

Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright