AUSTRALIA-WIDE LOW FLAT RATE $9.90

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

The Comedian

A Tragedy Play in Two Acts

Gordon Hinchen

$17.95

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

QTY:

English
Wrender Studios
02 April 2024
LOGLINE: A rich and darkly comic meditation on grief and alcoholism, The Comedian follows 16-year-old Alice as she navigates the horrors of her world, oscillating between past and present. In the past, she suffered the predations of her father, and in the present, she is forced into the guardianship of her alcoholic uncle - a once celebrated comedian - now wallowing in the chasm of self-pity.

ABOUT: The Comedian is a tragedy play in two acts, available in Paperback, Hardcover and Ebook. Copyright (c) 2024 Gordon Hinchen. Published April 2, 2024. ISBN: 979-8-218-40201-3. For licensing, please contact Wrender Studios at wrenderstudiosllc@gmail.com or visit our website www.scriptdoctoratl.com/projects-the-comedian/ for more information.

GENRES: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragicomedy, Dark Comedy, Drama

STATS: Apprx. Runtime: 120min. Cast is 9, but can be done with only 8 actors. There are only two locations, but only one set is needed as the elements overlap and lighting can be used to transition between the two locations. Setting is modern day. Recommended for ages 16 and up due to strong language, implied violence, and minimal intimacy (kissing).

FEATURES: Black/African-American Playwright, Strong Female Lead, tackles themes of Substance Abuse/Alcoholism and Mental Health

CAST: 9 Characters; 5 male and 4 female. 1 character is trans. ALL characters are OPEN ETHNICITY. Characters range in age from 16 to 60s.

SYNOPSIS: The Comedian bravely examines themes of despair, brokenness, and the haunting specter of evil that therein resigns. The tragedy unfolds with a spellbinding flashback, unveiling the tragic circumstances that threaten to define 16-year-old Alice's future. First, the revelation of her pregnancy; second, the discovery by her father.

Now orphaned, Alice finds herself thrust into the care of her only living relative: her tormented and alcoholic uncle, Robin. As the play oscillates between unyielding despair and uproarious comedy, Robin's turbulent past as a once-celebrated comedian seeks to raze the meek cuffs of their intertwined fates.

Further calamity ensues when Robin's ex-wife meets a grim fate within his home, amidst a series of comically unfortunate events. The media frenzy surrounding this new bereavement compounds the duo's distress, testing their resilience and straining their fragile bond.

As Robin's innocence is vindicated, questions loom over the future of his relationship with Alice. While he grapples with his own demons, Alice is forced into premature adulthood, wrestling with unhealed wounds and unanswered questions.

In a world fraught with adversity, The Comedian poses a haunting question: Will Alice summon the strength to defy despair's relentless grip, or will she succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume all around her?
By:  
Imprint:   Wrender Studios
Dimensions:   Height: 203mm,  Width: 127mm,  Spine: 6mm
Weight:   122g
ISBN:   9798869336262
Pages:   106
Publication Date:  
Audience:   Young adult ,  Preschool (0-5)
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

"Gordon Hinchen's journey into the world of theater began during his high school years at ""The Academy for the Performing Arts"" in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he delved into the craft of acting and stagecraft. His pursuit of further education led him to SUNY Purchase, where he honed his skills in Playwriting/Screenwriting; however, his academic journey didn't end there. Gordon graduated from Cleveland State University (CSU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, accompanied by a minor in Theatre Studies, showcasing his diverse interests and talents. During his time in Cleveland, Gordon made significant contributions to the local theater scene. He led the improv troupe Rare Form Improv (formerly known as Torque Improv) for five years, showcasing his improvisational skills and comedic timing. Simultaneously, he graced the stage in equity productions at Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights, delivering memorable performances such as the regional premiere of Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winning play ""The Flick,"" where he portrayed the main character, Avery. His dedication and talent were recognized when he achieved the prestigious status of becoming a full-fledged member of the esteemed stage actor's union, AEA. In 2020, Gordon embarked on a new chapter in Atlanta, Georgia, settling in the suburb of Peachtree City to pursue a career in film. With thousands of on-set hours logged as a Production Assistant and Grip, Gordon gained invaluable experience behind the scenes. Now fully immersed in the world of theater and film, Gordon is committed to his craft as a playwright, screenwriter, and script doctor. When he's not crafting compelling stories, Gordon enjoys quality time with his beloved tri-colored corgi and his supportive wife and best friend, Kelsey. Together, they share a love for classic cinema, culinary adventures, and leisurely strolls around the picturesque lake near their home."

Reviews for The Comedian: A Tragedy Play in Two Acts

"Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn on New Play Exchange: ""This play comes out swinging and doesn't let up. Don't let the title fool you, Robin is definitely a comedian, but as it is with most comedians, his jokes cover a much deeper pain. And that pain resonates out to those around him. This is not so much a story of ""nature vs nurture"" as the characters seem to believe, but rising like a phoenix from the ashes despite the tragedies that befall you. Alice will set a great example to her uncle by doing just that."" Link: https: //newplayexchange.org/plays/3237426/comedian Christopher on Amazon (verified review): ""This was one heck of a ride. It's like diving headfirst into a whirlpool of emotions, where tragedy and comedy collide in the most unexpected ways. You'll find yourself laughing one moment and holding back tears the next. It's intense, it's raw, and it's utterly gripping."" Link: https: //www.amazon.com/review/RMSVRQTQX7XYI/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0CYHG738C Dori on Amazon (verified review): ""The Comedian"" is a haunting blend of tragedy and dark humor. This play captures Alice's turbulent journey through grief and adversity, expertly juxtaposing moments of intense despair with sharp wit. Its innovative use of a single set to represent shifting realities is commendable. Strong themes of alcoholism and mental health are handled with sensitivity, making this a compelling piece for mature audiences. Highly recommended for its depth and dynamic storytelling."" Link: https: //www.amazon.com/review/R32VL0Q1JZID6S/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0CYHG738C"


See Also