A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Last Nickel

Short Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  2w, 2m

Jane Shepard

Theatrical, funny, and touching. It's another long night for Jamie, with an obnoxious sister and a trio of sardonic puppets to keep her awake.

The Last Nickel

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    40 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene work
    • Competition or audition material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
Theatrical, funny, and touching. It's another long night for Jamie, with an obnoxious sister and a trio of sardonic puppets to keep her awake. Tinged with fun and sisterly nostalgia, the merriment comes inevitably to focus on the cause of Jamie's self destruction, and the loss that has brought her to the edge. Published in KickAss Plays For Women.

History
The Last Nickel premiered at One Dream Theatre in New York City in December of 1996. It was directed by Julie Hamberg.
Keywords
Performing Groups

JAMIE - a woman being kept up late, and on the fast track to self-destruction
JO - her obnoxious sister, several years younger

PUPPETS (2 Puppeteers):
PAUL THE MOOSE - a children's hand puppet, best if he's the kind whose mouth moves; deep, sardonic game show voice
DAVE THE BIRD - same, best if he's the kind with arms; deep, sardonic sports commentary voice
TIM THE PIG - snorts, squeals, and dies; should look really stupid.

2 NURSES - in white uniforms and surgical masks; should look creepy, and vaguely inhuman

This cast includes two roles for women and two puppeteers. The women's roles can be played by actresses of any age. Jo should be a couple years younger than Jamie.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Setting Jamie's bedroom. Can be depicted with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and chair.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Puppetry
  • Duration 40 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Drugs
    • Strong Language
    • Smoking

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $65 per performance

Scripts

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Authors

Jane Shepard

Jane Shepard

Jane Shepard's works have been produced in New York, around the U.S. and in five nations. During 25 years in New York City, she received numerous productions and worked in association with some of the city's most revered companies, among them Circle Rep, The Public, New York ...

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