aMUSEd

by Megan Ann Jacobs

Alone in a New York apartment, the god of comedy is melancholy, and he wants everyone to know it.

Though bound to find a new person to inspire and complete an unfinished story, Sebastian, the last remaining Greek Muse, mourns the passing of his latest instrument and friend, amusing himself by successfully spooking, pranking, and sabotaging every opportunity for a potential replacement.

Until Nikki.

Driven by...

Alone in a New York apartment, the god of comedy is melancholy, and he wants everyone to know it.

Though bound to find a new person to inspire and complete an unfinished story, Sebastian, the last remaining Greek Muse, mourns the passing of his latest instrument and friend, amusing himself by successfully spooking, pranking, and sabotaging every opportunity for a potential replacement.

Until Nikki.

Driven by her own personal demons, Nikki stubbornly battles with Sebastian for mastery of the apartment. Though fully engulfed in their feud, things get all the more complicated when the two are plagued by an over-involved landlord, well-intentioned fiancé, and a dramatic Sebastian-orchestrated duel between the two that results in good old-fashioned police involvement. “aMUSEd” captures and explores our tendency to honor the dead by refusing to live, and leads us, through the ancient art of comedy, to live with the past and move forward.

***This play is represented by By/For Publishing, LLC. More information can be found at https://www.byforpublishing.com/.

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aMUSEd

Recommended by

  • Emily Worrell: aMUSEd by Megan Ann Jacobs
    “

    A beautiful, wholesome, and funny reflection on life, death, grief, and those we leave behind. It has the quick-pace and fun dialogue of a farce, but with deeper meaning to add even more quality to the piece. An all-around fantastic show!

    A beautiful, wholesome, and funny reflection on life, death, grief, and those we leave behind. It has the quick-pace and fun dialogue of a farce, but with deeper meaning to add even more quality to the piece. An all-around fantastic show!

    ”
  • Wolfgang Jones: aMUSEd by Megan Ann Jacobs
    “

    Wholesome and heartbreaking. In aMUSEd is a story of humanity and love as entertaining as it is touching. Well done.

    Wholesome and heartbreaking. In aMUSEd is a story of humanity and love as entertaining as it is touching. Well done.

    ”
  • Ky Weeks: aMUSEd by Megan Ann Jacobs
    “

    A compelling concept, paired with lovely characters. I love the way Nikki and Sebastian play off each other, the intensity of their conflict rising and the lengths both of them go to justify not backing down. Much of what makes these characters so compelling comes from the ways they linger in their grief, and how their clash with each other forces them to confront themselves. Both of them are roles that would be a blast to see come to life on stage.

    A compelling concept, paired with lovely characters. I love the way Nikki and Sebastian play off each other, the intensity of their conflict rising and the lengths both of them go to justify not backing down. Much of what makes these characters so compelling comes from the ways they linger in their grief, and how their clash with each other forces them to confront themselves. Both of them are roles that would be a blast to see come to life on stage.

    ”
View all 14 recommendations

Character Information

Please note that there is an hour-long version of this play available if requested.
  • Officer Bridges
    A police officer with an impatient attitude. Their first name is Kasey. They can be played by either a female or male.
    Any age 20+
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
  • Tyler
    The extremely talkative and outgoing landlord of the apartment complex.
    Any age 20+
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Anita
    A sweet older woman, with a calming presence one gains from wisdom.
    50+
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ryan
    Nikki's adorable fiance. Full of boyish charm.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Nikki
    A strong, passionate, and independent lawyer.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Sebastian
    A witty picturesque, fit, clean-shaven, well-groomed man. Can be any age from 20-100, as long as thy bring energy to the role.
    Any age 20+
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Wisconsin Lutheran College (Milwaukee, WI), 2015

Production History

  • Community Theater, Carmel Community Players (Fishers, IN), 2023
  • Professional, Memories Dinner Theatre (Port Washington, WI), 2016
  • Community Theater, The Bay Players (Whitefish Bay, WI), 2016
  • Professional, Milwaukee Entertainment Group (Milwaukee, WI), 2015
  • Fringe, Indy Fringe (Indianapolis, IN), 2019
  • Fringe, Indy Fringe's Divafest Competition (Indianapolis, IN), 2018

Awards

  • Ivoryton Women Playwrights Festival
    Ivoryton Playhouse
    Semi-Finalist
    2023