S75 - The Norwegians by C Denby Swanson - 2m, 2w
A strong, bitter comedy about women scorned in Minnesota and the really, really nice gangsters—Norwegian hit men—they hire to whack their ex-boyfriends. Olive is a transplant from Texas and Betty is a transplant from Kentucky, but neither of them was prepared for the Norwegian men they would fall in love with there: the practical, warm, thoughtful, destructive, evil, jilting kind. If you’re a hit man in Minnesota, 83% of your clients want to take out their ex (oofda!). Betty has referred Olive to Gus and Tor, a partnership in the whacking business. What Tor doesn’t know is that Gus has been sleeping with the clients. What Olive doesn’t know is that Gus is Betty’s own ex, and she has already put out a hit on him with a Swiss firm. Can Betty call off the job in time to let Gus do his? Should she?
Labels: comedy, contemporary, small cast
posted by Larisa at 10:48 AM
11 Comments:
I found this a delightful read and it would be very easy to do in the arena. It is a dark comedy, definitely written for a Minnesota audience, and is reminiscent of all the quirky things many of us loved about the old Prairie Home Companion show. But beneath the comedy there are messages about the nature of revenge and making choices that we may regret. Early on I worried that it might be too much like an extended SNL sketch, but it offers so many opportunities for great comedy that it doesn't get old. (And any actors looking for monologues would do well to check out this script) It is a Yes for me.
I was hoping for a bit more action and physical comedy, but solid. It would be fairly easy to market. Would be an interested winter comedy. I'm not overly drawn to it, but think it could work.
Dark & Stormy Theatre (local theatre) did this show twice, it did so well for them. I saw their first production and the audience was delighted with us - it has that MN familiarity but is much darker than one might expect. In the hands of top notch comedic actors who take risks with creating unusual characters and also a creative director and talented designers, I think this could work in our arena quite well.
I liked it and found myself laughing right out loud. I love the self-deprecating humor and I think our audience would, too. It's certainly easy to stage. Normally, I do not like a lot of monologues, but these are very well written - like little comedy sketches. Yes for me.
After reading the previous comments, I had hoped to enjoy the script. Unfortunately, it didn't work nearly as well for me. I found some areas amusing, but also found much of it repetitive and tiring. With the Minnesota connection, a strong production could work, but I don't have a strong desire to sit through it.
This was one of the funniest plays I have ever read! And of course, the wonderful Minnesota connection would be a crowd hit. I think this would be a great choice for our next season, easy to stage and a manageable cast size.
I also was not particularly drawn to it and on the shorter side, which is OK. It had some amusing spots but mostly in the second act. That being said I think it go over well with the MN connection. I agree, a winter production.
I read it a couple years ago and re-read it this week. I find it a smart and edgy dark comedy. It might not be suitable for all audiences, and it will need to walk a fine line to balance the satire with the sincerity of the piece. It is a winter piece where we can take some risks, but we need comedy and this certainly is one.
I think this could be a great offering in the right hands. I didn't laugh out loud reading it but I did enjoy it and the right physical comedy could make it easily laugh out loud funny. It is unexpected and fun and funny in the right hands. Easy to do in the round. Could be some dialect coaching needed.
I did not enjoy reading this script, but could see myself sitting through a well done production as part of a ladies night out.
I enjoyed this piece. It mixes some elements that I associate with absurdism while also feeling like a commentary on Minnesota nice (it's only nice at the surface level. There are feelings hidden underneath.). It has a dark/grey worldview much like "Prints", but I see this piece more as a full comedy than "Prints".
It feels very Minnesota to me, so I would really suggest putting it in season 75.
Post a Comment
<< Home