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The Crumple Zone

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  5m

“The kind of domestic comedy that might have been written by Neil Simon if he were gay and forty years younger.” – The New York Times

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Christmas/Holiday
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
This hilarious Off-Broadway hit, set in a run-down apartment on Staten Island, concerns three gay roommates coming to a crisis during one frantic Christmas weekend. Terry, an out-of-work actor who can't keep a job or get a date, spends his days swilling cheap vodka and playing referee to a messy love triangle. Extremely funny and deeply moving, The Crumple Zone is about staying together, breaking apart, and the things we lose along the way.
History

The Crumple Zone opened Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick Theatre on June 28, 2000, produced by Marcus Kettles Productions.

Cast Attributes

TERRY – Late 20s - Early 30s. A manic ball of energy with a scathing sense of humor. Absolutely neurotic, with a tendency to hit the bottle.
BUCK – Late 20s - Early 30s. Extreme GQ good looks, and just as charming. Lovesick and somewhat obsessive.
ALEX – Late 20s - Early 30s. Constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown, his questionable choices get him into trouble.
ROGER – Early 30s - Mid 40s. A big tank of a blue collar man; sexy and dangerous.
MATT – Late 20s - Early 30s. Boyishly good-looking; somewhat naive and innocent.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting An absolute dive of an apartment, somewhere on Staten Island, New York.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Physical Comedy, Stage Combat
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Guaranteed to keep the laughter in overdrive!” – New York Daily News

“The kind of domestic comedy that might have been written by Neil Simon if he were gay and forty years younger.” – The New York Times

“A little gem.” – Liz Smith

“Thoughtfully written and extremely funny. A worthwhile night in the theatre at its witty best.” – Westchester County Weekly

“Guaranteed to keep the laughter in overdrive!” – New York Daily News

“Sparkles! The first fresh comedy of its type to come along in years. It is not going too far to draw parallels between Neil Simon or Kaufman & Hart at the top of their powers... A rollicking farce with a heart of pure gold.” – LGNY Newspaper

“In its climactic confrontation scenes, the intensity hits Eugene O'Neill/Edward Albee levels. Thomas has written a forceful drama with insight and passion.” – NYtheatre.com

“A perfectly tuned living room romp.” – Staten Island Advance

“If it's belly laughs you yearn for, look no further. A whirlwind of unpredictable events worth twice the price of admission. Don't miss it.” – Broadwaybeat.com

“Until the very last scene, there is hardly a moment for the audience to catch its breath. For those of you who like to go to the theatre for a little nap, this show is not for you. A very entertaining evening.” – Talkinbroadway.com

“The best Off-Broadway play of the season.” – P.M. Magazine

“Big, colorful, and more fun than a cargo hold full of flying monkeys!” – HX Magazine

“It’s heart-warming and laughter-producing in equal measure.” – Britishtheatre.com

“Funny, sad, real, and a life-affirming glimpse of people like most of us.” – London Pub Theatres Magazine

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Buddy Thomas

Buddy Thomas is a widely produced playwright, and is the author of, among others, The Crumple Zone, which was an off-Broadway hit in the 2000-2001 season starring Mario Cantone. It has been produced around the world, with major U.S. productions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, ...
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