THE DINGDONG: Or, TAKE ME I'M YOURS!

A NEW TAKE ON FEYDEAU'S CLASSIC "LE DINDON," ADAPTED FOR FIVE (OR MORE!) ACTORS BY MARK SHANAHAN!

Vatelin is a faithful husband – mostly. Lucy is a faithful wife – kind of. But their “fidelity” is about to be put to the test when a series of importunate suitors and femmes fatales invade their cozy little world. Dive headfirst into the misadventures of one madcap night in a Parisian hotel in this new adaptation...

A NEW TAKE ON FEYDEAU'S CLASSIC "LE DINDON," ADAPTED FOR FIVE (OR MORE!) ACTORS BY MARK SHANAHAN!

Vatelin is a faithful husband – mostly. Lucy is a faithful wife – kind of. But their “fidelity” is about to be put to the test when a series of importunate suitors and femmes fatales invade their cozy little world. Dive headfirst into the misadventures of one madcap night in a Parisian hotel in this new adaptation of Feydeau’s classic farce, and discover how opening the wrong door in the dark of night can lead to mayhem, laughter, and a few unlikely revelations about the secret to a happy marriage.

Five actors take on multiple roles in this joyous comedy celebrating romance, lust and the magic of the theatre!

FLEXIBLE CASTING FOR 5-13 ACTORS, DOUBLING IF DESIRED AS DETAILED BELOW

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THE DINGDONG: Or, TAKE ME I'M YOURS!










ACTOR 1
Lucy Vatelin: The wife of a French lawyer. She dresses in a straight laced manner, her hair tight and her clothes fashionable yet modest. She's bright, proper, shrewd and sweet- with a lot of spunk!
Mme. Pinchard : A bit older. Deaf. Suffers from indigestion and though she can be naughty she is sweetly in love with her husband. She has no sense of fashion and wears unbecoming eyeglasses.
ACTOR 2
Pontegnac: A true cad. A dark suited Lothario who runs after every woman he sees. He's something of an overgrown man-child - a real schemer who attempts to satisfy his every urge.
Soldignac: An Hungarian businessman, born in Marseilles, now living in Italy. Genial, emotional and a little dim. Also a boxer.
Dr. Pinchard : A cantankerous country doctor on holiday in Paris with his wife. He's older and easily irritated. Though he may stray occasionally, he truly loves his wife.
ACTOR 3
Vatelin: A Paris lawyer. He's a bit of an aw-shucks nerd, with a smile and a bow tie. Bright and enthusiastic. Above all, he loves his wife even though he can act like a real dingdong at times.
ACTOR 4
Redillon: A handsome, refined, European Dandy with standards. His clothes are ostentatious with a scarlet shirt and a flamboyant coat. He has a good heart underneath his lecherous exterior.
Bellboy: A 17 year old virgin, trying his best to keep the hotel running.
Policeman: A Parisian policeman. Slight French accent.
ACTOR 5
Mme Pontegnac: A no-nonsense Parisian woman with a gruff exterior. She's suspicious of her husband's every move. She's tenacious, brash and has a penchant for fine clothes and fine appearances.
Fabiola: A passionate lover from Italy. Her emotions can swing from elated to devastated within the same breath. She loves to be in love!
Mandy: A savvy New York type with Manhattan moxie. At times, a breathy, sweet lover - but she's tough. She's smart cookie, in control, inexhaustible... and always hard to satisfy. She's looking for love and she knows what likes.
French Maid: A French maid who is sexy. Slight French accent.
ii.

N.B. Actors speak without a French accent unless noted.
The set might consist of the same walls in both acts, redressed for each location, with four doors, two upstage and one leading to each wing. For the hotels in Act 2, it is best to allow for as little a scene change as possible. Flipping pillows and a sign is perhaps all that is needed! As with everything in the play- it works best when it moves fast!

Development History

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Rover Dramaworks , Year 2024
  • Type University, Organization Morris College, Year 2024
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Medicine Hat Theatre, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization Theatre Squared, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization The Pearl Theatre, Off Broadway, Year 2016

Awards

  • FRONT ROW CENTER CRITIC'S PICK OF THE YEAR
    FRONT ROW CENTER
    Selection
    2016