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The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  1w

Jane Wagner

Populated with colorful, complex, hilarious characters, Jane Wagner and Lily Tomlin's brilliant one-woman show explores themes of identity, art, power, and the struggles of the feminist movement in America.

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Three 1986 Drama Desk Awards, including Unique Theatrical Experience
    Winner! 1986 New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Special Citation
    Winner! 1986 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play

Details

Summary
Lily Tomlin's one woman tour-de-force won The Drama Desk Award and The New York Drama Critics Circle Award as well as a Tony for Best Actress. From Trudy, the homeless savant, to Chrissy, the vapid gym bunny, this parade of engaging and insightful character studies may be performed by one or several actresses.
History
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre on September 26, 1985. Directed by playwright Jane Wagner, the production starred Lily Tomlin. After touring extensively with the show, Tomlin returned to Broadway for a limited engagement of the play, opening at the Booth Theatre on November 16, 2000. In January 2022, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe premiered off-Broadway at The Shed, starring Cecily Strong directed by Leigh Silverman.
Keywords
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Genuinely subversive comedy.” – The New York Times

“A human comedy that strikes home so sharply it brings gasps of recognition as well as outbursts of laughter.” – Newsweek

“This play gives us a sense of purpose and a meaning while telling us all the time how meaningless it is. It holds us up and supports us and loves us. It cherishes the audience in a way that no other theater experience I’ve ever had does.” – Leigh Silverman, director of the 2022 off-Broadway revival

“A buoying search for signs of intelligent life in the theatre.” – Time Magazine

“Makes you laugh until you hurt.” – WABC TV

Videos

  • Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner on The Search for Signs... youtube thumbnail

    Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner on The Search for Signs...

  • Lily Tomlin on The Search... in Dallas youtube thumbnail

    Lily Tomlin on The Search... in Dallas

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

    This title is currently unavailable for licensing in the United States and Canada. Please contact your representative to note interest for future seasons.

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Author

Jane Wagner

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