THE PROS AND CONS OF IMPLOSION by R. D. Murphy

10 MINUTE PLAY
Allie is a whip-smart, mechanically inclined high school senior who is a car whisperer. She wants to restore her neighbor’s Volvo which has been left to rust for 20 years. Simple plan, right? Depends on what you know about implosion.
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THE PROS AND CONS OF IMPLOSION

Recommended by

  • Jillian Blevins:
    1 Mar. 2023
    “ This short—on its surface about a teen mechanical genius and her crotchety neighbor—speaks volumes in subtext. Through a disagreement about an old car, Murphy explores community, intergenerational tensions, grief, and hope for the future. Rarely can a play invoke 9/11 in a way that feels fresh, specific, and powerful. IMPLOSION does so, to devastating and thought-thought provoking effect, with the lightest of touches. ”
  • Samantha Marchant:
    4 Sep. 2022
    “ A strong dynamic between these two characters and outlooks. ”
  • Michael Towers:
    28 Aug. 2022
    “ Two carefully and brilliantly wrought characters engage in a negotiation of responsibility, memory, and legacy. Every time I read it, I find more to think about-and perhaps like its characters, I find in it as much joy and hopefulness as I do ache.
    Thank you Mr. Murphy. ”
View all 10 recommendations

1 W, 1 M

ALLIE: 17-18

MR. GORDON: 50-60

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    Lake Shore Center for the Arts, Westfield NY
    ,
    2023
  • Professional
    ,
    Boston Theater Marathon XXIV (Boston Playwrights Theater)
    ,
    2022
  • Professional
    ,
    47th Annual Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival
    ,
    2022

Awards

Winner
,
First Place - Drama
,
Juice Box Organic One Act Play Competition
,
2023