ISBN:978-0-573-69961-0Michael and Susan Parker 3-7m, 3-7fComedy, FarceInterior
The Cider Mill Inn is an old, rustic and somewhat run down country inn owned and operated by an endearing elderly couple, Michael and Susan Edwards. At first they appear to be bordering on senility. We quickly learn however that they are very clever con artists, preying on their unsuspecting guests, by advertising huge discounts to various tradesmen. Using an elaborate check-in form with duplicate copies, guests are, in fact, signing a work contract, requiring them to perform various tasks and improvements at the inn. Over the course of three weekends, plumbers, tile layers, carpenters and electricians are recruited to do work they never expected.This unique play offers theatres the opportunity for the other twelve characters (Besides Susan and Michael) to be played by either two males and two females, or twelve different actors, or any number in between. The characters vary from the world’s most boring man, (his wife says he’s had charisma bypass surgery), to a young couple on their honeymoon. Audiences will fall in love with each of these distinctive characters, but especially the loving relationship between the two main characters, Michael and Susan, so touching that this play might be called a love story, if it wasn’t first and foremost a farce.So, what is Susan’s secret? On this subject the authors remain silent, preferring instead to let the audience decide on the truth, which of course, in a Parker play, is only revealed in the last few seconds of the show.FEE: $75 per performanceSlight restrictions currently apply on this title, please inquire for specific details and licensing availability. CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:MICHAEL – (age 70-plus) There are times when he appears to be totally “with it,” but often wanders off into worlds of fantasy. Very elderly, somewhat infirm, and might best be described as “An old man with a twinkle in his eye.”SUSAN – (age 70-plus) Spry and active, she is the driving force behind the “con jobs” she and Michael pull on their unsuspecting guests. She consistently forgets Michael’s name, and engages him in hilarious conversations in which she and Michael are rarely “on the same page.”
JEAN – (age 35-55) While Jean is an interfering “busybody,” her heart is in the right place. She totally dominates her mild mannered husband Larry, and things have to be done “Her Way.”
LARRY – (age 40-60) A mild mannered, easy-going sort of guy. However, when Jean gets herself into a situation from which she cannot escape, in a kindly sort of way, he sits back and seems to enjoy a laugh at her expense.
BOBBY – (age 25-30) A pleasant young man, who gets caught up in the emotional ups and downs of his new bride, Jenny. Clearly very much in love, he is willing to apologize when he has no idea what it is he is supposed to have done.
JENNY – (age 20-25) Young and pretty, but perhaps not too bright. She works herself into an emotional upheaval for the most trivial of reasons. To be kind, she is very young and on her honeymoon, and who knows what is going on in her mind.
BILL – (age 40-60) Bill is a suave, sophisticated man about town. He is a reviewer for a publication visiting The Cider Mill Inn incognito. A polished, well-dressed, educated adulterer.
JEFFREY – (age 25-30) If there was an award for “The Most Boring Man on the Planet,” Jeffrey would win hands down. He is so boring that audiences almost like him.
PENNY – (age 20-30) Penny seems to be driven to drink by her boring husband Jeffrey. She must never appear to be drunk or her sparkling wit and terrific sense of humor will be lost.
JULIE – (age 35-45) Julie has a libido that never lets up. She leaves the audience in no doubt as to why she is at the inn for the weekend. She is, however, sophisticated, not cheap or tawdry.
KELLY – (age 20-30) Kelly is clearly the dominant one in her relationship with Paul. She is a schemer who never gives up, constantly creating explanations for the most improbable circumstances. Clever, manipulative, quick-thinking.
PAUL – (age 25-30) Paul is clearly under the influence of his girlfriend Kelly. She seems to be able to persuade him to do almost anything. Not very forceful, but eager to please Kelly.
MURRAY – (age 40-60) Murray is a very unusual clergyman. He almost belongs in the “Hippie” generation. He arrives on a Harley wearing black leather, and using expressions like “rock on.”
BERTHA – (age 40-45) Michael’s sister is referred to by him as “Boot Camp Bertha.” A retired army officer, she certainly lives up to that name. She is a strong comedic character, who seems to dominate the stage whenever she appears. Other Michael and Susan Parker titles available from Samuel French include: The Amorous Ambassador Hotbed Hotel The Lone Star Love Potion Never Kiss a Naughty Nanny The Sensuous Senator Sex Please, We're Sixty Sin, Sex & the C.I.A. There's a Burglar in My Bed Who's in Bed with the Butler Whose Wives Are They Anyway?
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