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Drop Dead!

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  3w, 7m

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, the thespians must save the show, their careers and their lives!

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 7m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Pre-Teen (Age 11-13), Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

A non-stop physical comedy that turns the world of theater on its head! 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. At the dress rehearsal the set falls apart around them, props break, and the producer and an actor are murdered. But the show must go on! And so it does, but at the opening night performance, the murders continue and the play goes incredibly wrong. The remaining thespians must save the show and their careers, solve the mystery, and somehow survive until the curtain calls.

History

Drop Dead! first opened at The Cort Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on 16 August 1991, starring Adrienne Barbeau ("Grease," "Maude"), Rose Marie ("Dick Van Dyke Show"), Barney Martin ("Seinfeld"), Craig Bierko ("Unreal"), Donny Most ("Happy Days"), Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. It was produced by Mitch Nedick and Edward P. Vogels. It was directed by author Billy Van Zandt.

VICTOR LE PEWE – The director
P.G. BANKS – 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-star
CONSTANCE CRAWFORD – Old stage star
DICK SCORSESE – Martin Scorsese’s brother

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting An Off-Off-Off-Off Broadway theater
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Physical Comedy
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Gun Shots
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“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

“Flat-out frenzied fun! Hilarity and craziness prevail! Unabashed foolish fun!” – Dramalogue

“Oh, how the audience loved it!” – The Augusta Chronicle

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

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

Scripts

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Authors

Billy Van Zandt

Billy Van Zandt and his writing partner, the late Jane Milmore, are two of the most often produced playwrights in the world. Together for 46 years, they wrote and starred in 23 plays together, including the international hit comedy You’ve Got Hate Mail; off-Broadway’s tribute ...

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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 Hughleys, and The Wayans Bros. Jane also appeared in ...
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