The Last Nickel

by  Jane Shepard

Short Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  2m, 2f

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. 

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The Last Nickel

by  Jane Shepard

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The Last Nickel

  • Cast Size

    Cast Size

    2m, 2f
  • Duration

    Duration

    40 minutes
  • SubGenre

    Subgenre

    Not Applicable
  • Accolades

    Accolades

    Not Applicable
  • Suggested Use

    Suggested Use

    • Scene work
    • Competition or audition material
  • Audience

    Target Audience

    • Adult
    • Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Additional Info

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.

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Keywords

Adolescence, Childhood, Death, Friendship, Illness/Health, Love, Memory

Considerations

Performing Groups

  • College Theatre / Student
  • Community Theatre
  • Professional Theatre
  • Reader's Theatre
  • Shoestring Budget
  • Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups

Cautions

  • Caution Alcohol Alcohol
  • Caution Drugs Drugs
  • Caution Strong Language Strong Language
  • Caution Smoking Smoking

License details

  • Minimum Fee: $45 per performance

Production

Details

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

Music

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

Casting

2m, 2f

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

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Cast Attributes

  • Non-Traditional casting
  • Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)

Casting Notes

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.

Resources

Scripts

The Last Nickel

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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 recieved numerous productions and worked in association with some of the city's most revered companies, among them Circle Rep, The Public, New York Stage & Film, and Ensem ...

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

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