Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe

by Philip Middleton Williams

Rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Ten-Minute: (2024) Marvin and Paige are at the gate waiting to board their flight home for the holidays under the helpful care of Shelly, the gate agent. But when the flight is cancelled and there are no more flights on Christmas Eve, they share a little about their expectations and why they're not so excited about spending the time with the family.

Written for...

Rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

Ten-Minute: (2024) Marvin and Paige are at the gate waiting to board their flight home for the holidays under the helpful care of Shelly, the gate agent. But when the flight is cancelled and there are no more flights on Christmas Eve, they share a little about their expectations and why they're not so excited about spending the time with the family.

Written for the 2024 Playwrights Thriving Secret Santa Title Exchange. Title by Monica Cross.

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Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe

Recommended by

  • Scott Sickles: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    i do not talk to people at the airport. But on the rare occasions when someone starts talking to me (and we aren't complaining) it's generally pleasant. We learn about the small things that are important to us. The true heroes of an airport are the gate agents. They deal with so much bullshit from the people I don't talk to. This play gives us two wayward travelers even I would enjoy, a gate agent by which all should be measured, and the small things they love. Make it so, indeed! [1/27/25]

    i do not talk to people at the airport. But on the rare occasions when someone starts talking to me (and we aren't complaining) it's generally pleasant. We learn about the small things that are important to us. The true heroes of an airport are the gate agents. They deal with so much bullshit from the people I don't talk to. This play gives us two wayward travelers even I would enjoy, a gate agent by which all should be measured, and the small things they love. Make it so, indeed! [1/27/25]

    ”
  • Adam Richter: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    [2024-12-29]

    Families would be great if not for all the people. While Marvin and Paige have obligations to meet, they're not all that enthusiastic about going home for the holidays — with good reason. The connection they form in Philip Middleton Williams' lovely short play is all the holiday magic either of them, or we audience members, need. A relatable short piece that would be a welcome addition to any festival.

    [2024-12-29]

    Families would be great if not for all the people. While Marvin and Paige have obligations to meet, they're not all that enthusiastic about going home for the holidays — with good reason. The connection they form in Philip Middleton Williams' lovely short play is all the holiday magic either of them, or we audience members, need. A relatable short piece that would be a welcome addition to any festival.

    ”
  • Monica Cross: Things I Learned While Careening Toward the Center of the Universe by Philip Middleton Williams
    “

    THINGS I LEARNED CAREENING TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE is a lovely holiday slice of life with family problems and Star Trek metaphors. A beautiful short for any seasonal show.

    THINGS I LEARNED CAREENING TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE is a lovely holiday slice of life with family problems and Star Trek metaphors. A beautiful short for any seasonal show.

    ”
View all 19 recommendations

Character Information

  • Shelly
    Airline gate agent.
  • Marvin
    Airline passenger.
  • Paige
    Airline passenger.

Development History

  • Reading, Playwrights Thriving, 2024