THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

by Philip Dawkins

Once upon a time in an Anaheim, California orange grove, a magical kingdom was built and dedicated to America’s history, dreams and wildest hopes. Eight years later, one family’s American prince died on live television while delivering the Albuquerque sports scores, leaving his four daughters and their mother behind. Left reeling from the loss of their patriarch, the family underwent a quest to reach the magical...

Once upon a time in an Anaheim, California orange grove, a magical kingdom was built and dedicated to America’s history, dreams and wildest hopes. Eight years later, one family’s American prince died on live television while delivering the Albuquerque sports scores, leaving his four daughters and their mother behind. Left reeling from the loss of their patriarch, the family underwent a quest to reach the magical kingdom and seek solace and recovery. Now, more than fifty years after their journey, acclaimed playwright Philip Dawkins retraces and illustrates the true story of the women in his family, exploring their history and asking if there really is a place where the dream that we wish can come true.

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THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

    A beautiful, poignant solo show that blends family and social history. Dawkins wisely chooses to focus on a small but colorful ensemble of characters, delving into each of their voices with humor, flair, and nuance. This is a very moving portrait of grief, but one that never dwells too long in despair; rather it chronicles the irregular and human reactions to death in an exquisite manner! Though this is a very specific story about a single family, I love the way Dawkins explores the way family values echo the socio-cultural moment in which a family exists.

    A beautiful, poignant solo show that blends family and social history. Dawkins wisely chooses to focus on a small but colorful ensemble of characters, delving into each of their voices with humor, flair, and nuance. This is a very moving portrait of grief, but one that never dwells too long in despair; rather it chronicles the irregular and human reactions to death in an exquisite manner! Though this is a very specific story about a single family, I love the way Dawkins explores the way family values echo the socio-cultural moment in which a family exists.

  • Mark Mason: THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

    What a great play, sort of a John Steinbeck-meets-Wes Anderson comedy rich in humor, history and fascinating characters from one of the great playwrights of modern America. A must for any theatre company.

    What a great play, sort of a John Steinbeck-meets-Wes Anderson comedy rich in humor, history and fascinating characters from one of the great playwrights of modern America. A must for any theatre company.

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization Side Show Theater Company, Year 2015

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Diversionary Theater, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization The Hub Theater, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization Side Show Theater Company, Year 2016