A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Broadway Babylon

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  5w, 5m

Tom Chiodo, Peter DePietro

Once upon a time, in the world of glitz and glamour, there lived a bespectacled nerd who was cast away by casting directors and axed by agents. Now the toast of Broadway, this nerd plans to get even.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
Once upon a time in the world of glitz and glamour, there lived a bespectacled nerd who was cast away by casting directors and axed by agents. Now the toast of Broadway, this nerd plans to get even. On the Big White Way, revenge gets a standing ovation, murder wins the Tony, and all find themselves in a world of broken promises and faded hopes. This world is Broadway Babylon.
History
Broadway Babylon was first performed at Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1988. It was directed by Peter DePietro.
Cast Attributes
ETHEL CHAMPIONN ABBETT – Socialite widow of Gower Championn and present ex-wife of George Abbett (two of Broadway's biggest directors). The best-connected woman on Broadway. 60-70.
POLLY ESTER – Schizophrenic fan of Dan Dapper. Has many personalities which she unexpectedly pops in and out of: Polly is a loud-mouthed New Jersey housewife; Dolly is a buxom southern belle, Scarlet O'Hara's (Gone with the Wind) best friend, if she had one. She's also an intimidated German and a flirtatious Mae West-type. 35-45.
SALLY PEABODY – Social secretary to Ethel Hard-nosed detective. 35-45.
RALPH SCUMBO – Cliché greasy theatrical manager. Presently managing Dan and Lolly. 30.
LOLLY POP (aka Fanny) – Air-head chorus girl who so desperately wants to be a star. Client and girlfriend of Ralph. 25-30.
CHARLIE SMEDLEY – Your basic nerd – slicked hair, whining speech. Lives vicariously through comic book adventures. Charming and affectionate, an underdog. 20.
DAN DAPPER – Once Broadway's biggest juvenile star, now fading fast High on looks, short on brains. 40.
CASEY MILLER – Waiter with a broken arm. Revealed to be the son of Polly Ester. 20-25.
FRANCINE DUBOIS (aka Frank Dexter) – Broadway's most powerful gossip columnist for the past 5 years. Flamboyant and fun. Actually a bitter untalented actor in drag. 30-35.
HOST – Anonymous liaison between fantasy and reality. (See Production Manual for character options.)
STRETCHER ATTENDANTS (2)
  • Time Period 1980s
  • Setting A mountain resort in upstate New York. 1988.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Audience Participation/Interactive
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

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  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

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Authors

Author

Tom Chiodo

Author

Peter DePietro

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