Going for a Walk with Sam by Philip Middleton Williams

Included in "A Tree Grows in Longmont and Other Plays About Allen" published by Next Stage Press.

Ten-Minute: (2021) Allen, Sam, and Philip meet up at a park in the spirit of remembering good times and the last time they were together.
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Going for a Walk with Sam

Recommended by

  • Christopher Plumridge:
    4 Feb. 2023
    “ This play is such a personal and beautiful tribute to lost friends, human and canine. It is clever and unique too, as taken from the perspective of the spirits, not the living. I would love to stage this, it would be a wonderful challenge to have an actor play the part of Sam, as a gentle spirit and not a jokey doggy.
    Thank you Philip for sharing such a personal story in such a lovely way. ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn:
    3 Feb. 2023
    “ Oh God. I read "A Tree Grows in Longmont" and sobbed hysterically. But this one hits even harder. Somehow the joy of Sam stabs the heart a little harder. Knowing Philip (and other pet lovers who have lost pets) was full of so much sadness and regret at the end, they couldn't even entertain the idea of seeing a manifestation of their sweet pup Sam. The funny thing about happy memories is they can make you cry harder than the sad ones sometimes. There won't be a dry eye in the house with this play. ”
  • Robert Weibezahl:
    8 Mar. 2022
    “ Williams’s emotionally honest plays often have many layers to peel away, and “Going for a Walk with Sam” is no exception. While he literally and whimsically portrays the spirit of a departed dog, Williams delves deeper, exploring the spiritual connection between humans and their beloved pets, as well as how that connection can become integral to human pairings as well. Staging this warm-hearted play would be a delightful challenge for director and actors alike and I hope someday to see it performed. ”
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Character Information

  • Allen
    Mid-thirties
    A spirit.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Sam
    Male
    Cairn Terrier. A spirit. Sam is a dog, but it is very important that he not be portrayed in a clichéd “doggy” way. He is a spirit and should be perceived as such by both the characters and the audience.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Philip
    Mid-sixties,
    Male
    All too human.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male