Independence Day
- 10 - 40 minutes
Simple Set
$9.00 – $30.00
In these three short comedies for seniors by Marj O’Neill-Butler, characters of a certain age struggle against grown children, spouses, or former tormentors to maintain their own psychological and social independence.
Play Details
Overview
These three comedies for seniors, a fight for independence is at the core of the story.
Script 1
“Cleaning House”
Marcia is trying to get her mother, who has recently had a fall, to move into an assisted living complex. Billie, the mother, wants no part of it as she has found a new life. Marcia is in for more than one surprise after Brad enters the scene.
Script 2
“Flight Fright”
Three mature friends have gathered for coffee and a discussion of Judy’s expected new grandson. After joking about how Judy, who is afraid of airplanes, will get to Denver to see the baby being born, she receives a phone call that her son has been in a serious accident. Using game playing, her friends try to talk Judy into flying out to be with him.
Script 3
“They Call it Teasing”
Introduces us to a couple who turn the tables on their former high school tormenters at a class reunion.
From the Play
From Flight Fright:
JOAN: Here’s what we want! “Plane crash facts that could save your life.”
CAROL: Good let’s set up a potential crash. (She starts to move the furniture around.) Right. You’re three across in the exit aisle.
JUDY: What if I’m not in the exit aisle?
CAROL: We pay extra so you are. Everything’s extra these days. Sit down Judy. Okay, Joan. Take us through it.
JOAN: Alright. Have a plan of action. Read the instructions carefully. You know, read that whole fold out thingy they give you in the seat pocket.
CAROL: What else?
JOAN: Wear non-flammable clothing. Your polyester pants with the elastic waist will have to go, or you’ll burst into flames.
JUDY: I love those pants.
CAROL: They make your ass look flat, and they don’t have pockets.
JOAN: Yeah, they want you to keep your valuables and ID on you. Leave your baggage and get out of there quickly. Down the slide on your bottom.
CAROL: Okay, time for a run through. Close your eyes, Judy. Okay. Suddenly it gets bumpy. Check your seat belt is fastened.
JUDY: Um, okay. Check.
CAROL: Now it’s really bumpy. Suddenly the plane drops.
She tips Judy’s chair back and Judy screams, as Joan gets into it.
JOAN: The oxygen masks drop down.
Joan grabs an empty coffee cup and puts it over Judy’s nose.
JUDY: I can’t breathe.
CAROL: Don’t panic. Nice easy breaths. Suddenly the Captain says “We’re going down.” Brace yourself. Crash position.
JUDY: Can I get rid of this coffee cup?
Productions
Albuquerque, NM - 4 May 2020
Las Colinas Theater Group ( Seniors Theatre Group)
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