Synopsis
FINALLY! We NOW know the truth about the origin of Mankind! It all began in a Petri Dish at the Genome Observation Department!… WHO KNEW?
THAT’S RIGHT! It seems that, per the “Boss’s” instructions, an experiment was conducted that yielded a split result. The Subject divided into a positive and negative of itself, requiring careful introduction to each other in order for the experiment to continue. Relabeled “Man” and “Woman”, the subject matter was
poured into a Petri Dish and the experiment observation was begun.
We see the differences in the two “Subjects” as we follow them through their introduction, their growth in getting acquainted, their ultimate joining, and, of course, procreation. (The procreation part got a little ugly at the actual moment of birth, but, luckily, they survived it.)
Unfortunately, the whole thing was supervised by two rather unorthodox Lab Technicians, one of whom is a severe hypochondriac and worries constantly. Against explicit instructions, the Lab Techs can’t help tampering. They really should have left well enough alone, but they felt so bad because “Man” seemed to be at a definite disadvantage in several situations.
In the end, the two “Subjects” grow to maturity and have to acknowledge that, even through the rough spots, the whole thing was quite worth it because, in fact, they grew to love each other very much.
This is a touching and funny play that involves only four cast members. The set is simple and the message is a happy one. Everyone in the audience will be able to relate to what they watch unfold on the stage before their eyes.
Production Notes
SET/COSTUMES
SET: A Funeral Parlor in Ireland. There is a closed casket with a kneeling bench in front of it, and funeral flowers where desired. There is also a large picture of PADDY and his dog, GUINNESS, on an easel either next to the casket or positioned at the entrance with a second podium that has a “guest book” on it for the audience to sign in. On stage, there are two rows of seats and a podium for those who will be eulogizing. There is also a “window” for O’ROURKE to run to in the second Act.
The microphone at the podium should be on a “goose neck” microphone stand so as to allow the FUNERAL DIRECTOR to be able to spend time to adjust it. It would also be good if the flexible “goose neck” could make uncomfortable squeaking/groaning sounds as he moves it. It doesn’t have to be “live”.
“Suggested” seating diagram: (The two rows are positioned stage right of the podium and the seating is staggered to allow the actors to be seen clearly. The podium is just stage left of the chairs. The casket is positioned to far stage left with a “kneeling bench in front of it. The “window” is positioned stage right where O’ROURKE can get to it easily.
O’ROURKE RYAN CONNIE McCOOLE PODIUM
BERNADETTE LIAM AIDAN MAUREEN SHAWNASEE
COSTUMES: Paddy is wearing a suit jacket with the back seam split most of the way up the back (Funeral Directors do this for ease of dressing the deceased.) He is wearing a white dress shirt and bright green tie. He is not wearing any pants. He is wearing boxer shorts with green shamrocks on them and bright green socks. He also wears a wool “newsboy hat”.
Except for the priest and the cop, all other costumes are “street dress”.
Connie is dressed in pants, a shirt, green suspenders, and a newsboy hat where she hides her money for gambling.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: For additional fun for the audience, they can be Informed in advance, through the advertising and box office sales, that they will be attending an Irish Wake and it is advisable for them to dress appropriately for the services out of respect for the fact that we are mourning the dearly departed.
Also, if possible, you may choose to allow the audience the ability to go up to the casket to say their “goodbyes”. The Funeral Director can stand at the door to invite the “attendees” to sign the “guest book” and then point them to the casket where they can say their good-byes before taking their seat.
Materials Package
Your Materials Package Includes:
- 12 Scripts
- 1 Press Play CD of Sound Effects
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