Drop Dead!

by  Billy Van Zandt, Jane Milmore

Full Length Play, Comedy  /  7m, 3f

"A nonstop physical comedy that turns the world of theater on its head!" - Variety
"Pick of the Month" - L.A. Magazine
A cast of has-been actors plan to revive their careers in "Drop Dead!," a potboiler murder mystery directed by "Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage" Victor Le Pewe (a psychotic eye twitching megalomaniac). But when the murders and mysteries exceed those in the script - these thespians must save the show and their careers as well as their lives!

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Drop Dead!

by  Billy Van Zandt Jane Milmore

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Drop Dead!

  • Cast Size

    Cast Size

    7m, 3f
  • Duration

    Duration

    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre

    Subgenre

    Mystery/Thriller
  • Accolades

    Accolades

    From Off-Broadway
  • Audience

    Target Audience

    • Adult
    • Pre-Teen (Age 11 - 13)
    • Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Additional Info

A cast of has-been actors plan to revive their careers in "Drop Dead!," a potboiler murder mystery directed by "Wonder Child of the Broadway Stage" Victor Le Pewe (a psychotic eye twitching megalomaniac). At the dress rehearsal the set falls, props break, and the producer and an actor are murdered. During the opening night performance, the murders continue. The remaining thespians must save the show and their careers, solve the mystery and stay alive for curtain calls.
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Reviews

"A nonstop physical comedy that turns the world of theater on its head!" - Variety

"The audience laughed at everything!" - Los Angeles Times

"Pick of the Month" - L.A. Magazine

"Drop Dead! will make your jaw drop and your head spin almost simultaneously, but you will be laughing the whole time!” - Peru Tribune

“A wacky slapstick comedy that will have you laughing out loud!” - KBIG

“Critic’s Choice. Totally ludicrous and heartily entertaining!” - L.A. Reader

“Flatout frenzied fun! Hilarity and craziness prevail! Unabashed foolish fun!” - Dramalogue

“Oh, how the audience loved it!" - The Augusta Chronicle

Keywords

Death, Theatre/Entertainment Industry

Considerations

Performing Groups

  • High School/Secondary
  • College Theatre / Student
  • Community Theatre
  • Dinner Theatre
  • Professional Theatre
  • Shoestring Budget
  • Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups

Cautions

  • Artboard 3 Gun Shots
  • Caution Mild Adult Mild Adult Themes

License details

  • Minimum Fee: $125 per performance

Production

Details

  • Time Period: Present Day
  • Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Setting: An Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway theater
  • Additional Features: Physical Comedy
  • Features / Contains: Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes

Music

  • Musical Style: N/A (Not a musical)

Casting

7m, 3f
VICTOR LE PEWE - the director
SOL WEISENHEIMER - the producer
PHILLIP - the stage manager
ALABAMA MILLER - the playwright
MONA MONET - the TV star
BRENT REYNOLDS - the method actor
CHAZ LOONEY - the apprentice
CANDY APPLES - the ex-porno-start
CONSTANCE CRAWFORD - old stage star
DICK SHALIT - Gene Shalit's brother
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Cast Attributes

  • Non-Traditional casting
  • Cross gender casting
  • Flexible casting
  • Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)
  • Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)

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Authors

Billy Van Zandt

Billy Van Zandt

Billy Van Zandt - after starring in a series of his own plays (If you've never seen this clown at work, you should be ashamed of yourself - Asbury Park Press), Billy made his feature film debut in Jaws 2. The success of his comedies (written with partner Jane Milmore) brought him to the attention of Bob Newhart, who hi ...

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Jane Milmore

Jane Milmore

Jane Milmore began her career as an actress. After starring in several national TV commercials, she appeared in the TV shows Anything But Love and Sydney, as well as guest-starring on Bless This House, Newhart, Martin, The Hughley’s, and The Wayans Bros. Jane also ap ...

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Drop Dead! first opened at The Cort Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 16, 1991. It was produced by Mitch Nedick and Edward P. Vogels. It was directed by author Billy Van Zandt.

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