Intellectuals by Scott Sickles

[FULL LENGTH COMEDY]
Psychologist Margot leaves her philosophy professor husband Philip to "explore untapped feminie potential" by giving lesbianism a whirl. The separation leaves them and their gay best friend Brighton to thier own devices, schemes, and unexpected romances. Mayhem ensues.

2 acts; 120-130 minutes

"...you know the playwright has potential. ......
[FULL LENGTH COMEDY]
Psychologist Margot leaves her philosophy professor husband Philip to "explore untapped feminie potential" by giving lesbianism a whirl. The separation leaves them and their gay best friend Brighton to thier own devices, schemes, and unexpected romances. Mayhem ensues.

2 acts; 120-130 minutes

"...you know the playwright has potential. ... Mr. Sickles’s zingy dialogue sparkled..."
~Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times

"Romantic screwball comedy is alive and well... Intellectuals is a refreshing reminder of how fun good theatre can be... several surprising twists and turns...
~ Michael Criscuolo, nytheatre.com

"Some people are just too smart for their own good. That’s bad for them, but it’s great for the audience of Intellectuals. ... Sickles’s dialog is witty and crisp, and the jokes zipped by, one on top of the next. ... a lot of fun indeed."
~ Byrne Harrison, oobr.com

Available in Smith & Kraus's NEW PLAYWRIGHTS: BEST PLAYS OF 2007, edited by Lawrence Harbison.
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Intellectuals

Recommended by

  • Nora Louise Syran:
    31 Mar. 2024
    “ I was delighted to recognize facets of Sickles' * inimitable wit in each of these well crafted characters. And I so enjoyed spending time with them, in the same way I'd loved to have been able to curl up with a martini and listen to Noel Coward entertain his friends in the same eponymous spirit of this fun situational and farcical comedy of manners. I laughed out loud at the many snappy one liners and loved the satisfying deneument.

    (*yes, I'm consciously punctuating his name a la Socrates!) ”
  • Greg Mandryk:
    28 Oct. 2023
    “ Let's make screwball comedies the rage again and let it be known that Intellectuals by Scott Sickles started the movement. I don't often read full-length plays on NPX (who has the time?), but this play drew me in and didn't let go until the final page. With entanglements galore and dialogue that positively crackles, this one's an absolute charmer! ”
  • Joe Swenson:
    20 Jan. 2023
    “ I was hooked from the opening by the clear chemistry between all of the characters. Scott Sickles is an incredible writer one that inspires and motivates other writers to reach beyond themselves to write better.

    The word play, constant redefining, correcting, but ultimately the level of care that Scott puts into every one of his characters. Care that they are three-dimensional, care that they are real people, care that you can relate to each of them is incredible.

    That's the part of Scott that inspires me and Intellectuals makes you care about his characters. Another masterpiece of theatrical writing. ”
View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    The 42nd Street WorkShop
    ,
    2001
  • Reading
    ,
    The 42nd Street Workship
    ,
    2000
  • Reading
    ,
    The 42nd Street Workship
    ,
    2000
  • Workshop
    ,
    Carneglie Mellon Drama Festival of New Plays
    ,
    2000
  • Reading
    ,
    CAP 21
    ,
    1999

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Reno Little Theater
    ,
    2013
  • Workshop
    ,
    WorkShop Theater Company
    ,
    2006

Awards

Winner
,
Blythe Award, Favorite Comedy
,
Reno Little Theater
,
2014