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Walking on the Moon

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  6w, 10m

"A scathing parody of the dark side of human nature. The laughs and ridicule are plentiful, and the satire on target." - The Los Angeles Times

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    6w, 10m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 1995 Southeastern Theatre Conference's Charles M. Getchell New Play Award

Details

Summary
This fresh, highly original comedy tells the story of ex-astronaut Chad Williams, the last man ever to walk on the moon … and the only man to have a hit-and-run accident on the lunar surface!  Back in the ‘70s, Chad accidentally slammed into his co-pilot with the lunar rover, leaving the poor guy in a coma ever since!   Permanently blacklisted by NASA, Chad has been reduced to a life of shame and humiliation, eking out a living as a third-rate celebrity pitchman on late-night TV commercials (“carpet so soft, you’ll swear you’re walking on the moon!”).   Chad is presented with an opportunity to redeem himself and regain his place in the spotlight.  The only problem is, there are strings attached … as well as possible murder charges!  In spite of his reservations, Chad throws caution to the wind and blasts off into an orbit of celebrity infamy.  He is soon surrounded by colorful crackpots and conniving con-men …  and ultimately wishes he were still up there, “Walking on the Moon.”
History
Walking on the Moon was originally presented as a staged reading in Hollywood featuring Burt Reynolds and Joe Mantegna.
CHAD WILLIAMS - An ex-astronaut.
MAUREEN - Chad's wife.
ARTHUR - A talent agent.
KIMBERLY - Arthur's daughter.
TOM SCOTT - An ex-astronaut.
NADINE - Tom's alcoholic wife.
REGGIE - Chad's boss.
BENJAMIN FREEMAN - A sleazy lawyer.
EARL - A prisoner.
MYRON CASNOFF - A psychiatrist.
LOUELLA - Reggie's girlfriend.

The following roles may be doubled:
A PRODUCER, JUDGE, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, BAILIFF, TWO POLICE DETECTIVES, TOM'S DOCTOR, A TV CAMERA CREW, and SEVERAL PARTY GUESTS.
  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 105 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Outrageously wicked fun, pure and simple!” – Hollywood Weekly

“The parable to today’s headlines hits our skewered ethics bull’s-eye … A smashing, fine, fun, madcap evening, with a wonderful ensemble cast smartly flown by director Natalija Nogulich … We enthusiastically recommend you see Walking on the Moon. It is our Critic’s Pick of the Week. – American Radio Network

“… the script is sharp and winning, packed with lovely absurdist details.  Not only is the premise ingenious, but … perfectly executed … Milligan’s play is a pure pleasure, perfectly performed here. This may be the closest local theatre ever comes to a sure bet; don’t miss it.” – Entertainment Today

“In a scathing parody of the dark side of human nature, Milligan takes aim at … Hollywood, the exploitative media, and a corrupt, ineffective judicial system.  The laughs and ridicule are plentiful, and the satire on target ….” – Los Angeles Times

“Milligan’s craft shows in the play’s clear structure of a man falling from grace and finding redemption.” – Daily Variety

“A sparkling comedy … loaded with laughs.” – Beverly Hills News

“The best comedy to hit Los Angeles and its environs in many a Moon!” – California Jewish Press

Walking on the Moon shines brightly with a galaxy of stars … I felt like I’d flown over the Moon!” – Movie Gazette

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Jason Milligan

Jason Milligan's many stage plays have been performed in numerous productions across the United States, as well as in Canada and Europe. Thirty-seven of his plays are now published by the Samuel French imprint of Concord Theatricals, including ...And Then the Rain Came to May ...

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