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The Whale

Play

Overview

Synopsis

In a run-down apartment in rural Idaho, surrounded by screens and food containers, a six-hundred pound recluse doggedly and determinedly eats himself to death. As he inches closer and closer the inevitable, his friend Liz, a cynical atheist nurse, and Elder Thomas, a young, hopeful Mormon missionary both attempt to find in Charlie the will to be saved, physically and spiritually. However, it is only Charlie’s estranged teenage daughter, the acerbic and bitter Ellie, who can make him see any kind of future beyond his current despair. In Ellie’s words -- stunningly honest, despite her constant barbs -- Charlie finds one last chance for redemption, and perhaps even a bit of hope.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2002
Genres
Drama
Settings
Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
An apartment in Northern Idaho, Present Day
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
small cast, male lead, young characters, ensemble cast, Star Vehicle Male, Regional Theatre, Professional Theatre, Community Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Whale.

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Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes featured in theatre as cultural or religious characters. Their representation has appeared in notable works such as satirical musicals and dramas exploring faith and identity.

    A short play presented in a single act without intermission, ideal for festivals, student productions, or concise storytelling.

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