Tucumcari Tonite! by Philip Middleton Williams

Winner Best Short Comedy, Legacy Play Reading Festival, Stony Creek, CT 2022

One-Act: (2020) Alex, a bail bondsman from Las Vegas, is taking Tony, a mob accountant, across country to his new life and identity under witness protection. They spend the night on the side of the road in the middle of the New Mexico desert among the dangers of the desert life, and learn some interesting truths about...
Winner Best Short Comedy, Legacy Play Reading Festival, Stony Creek, CT 2022

One-Act: (2020) Alex, a bail bondsman from Las Vegas, is taking Tony, a mob accountant, across country to his new life and identity under witness protection. They spend the night on the side of the road in the middle of the New Mexico desert among the dangers of the desert life, and learn some interesting truths about themselves and each other.

The script is available at www.pmwplaywright.com.
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Tucumcari Tonite!

Recommended by

  • Paul Donnelly:
    28 Oct. 2023
    “ This is a well-constructed buddy comedy with real heart. Stuck in the desert, they share their histories and surprising points of connection arise. Both will leave this moment better able to cope with the curve balls life has recently thrown them. These are two clearly drawn and engaging characters and it is a real pleasure to share this time with them. ”
  • Arianna Rose:
    12 Oct. 2022
    “ Tucumcari Tonight recently won Best Play prize in a play competition, and deservedly so! This unusual and touching buddy comedy is filled with cultural references that delight, and surprising insights that make for the very best kind of theatre. Playwright Philip Middleton Williams once again shows his great craft and skill in storytelling through these two very human characters dealing with a stressful situation.

    ”
  • John Busser:
    10 Oct. 2022
    “ I love a good buddy comedy and Philip Middleton Williams presents us with a classic one here. Tony and Alex don't like the circumstances that brought them to where they are and like each other even less. But slowly, through wonderful dialogue and careful revealing along the way, they come to not only understand each other, but respect and connect as well. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. ”
View all 19 recommendations

Character Information

Two men, any ethnicity, mid to late 30's.

  • Tony
    mid to late thirties,
    Any
    ,
    Gay
    Mob accountant from Las Vegas on his way to his new life in witness protection. Slightly nerdy but with a hard edge; born and raised in Brooklyn. Gay but not openly.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Alex
    mid to late thirties,
    Any
    ,
    straight
    Bail bondsman for hire. Single father, Army veteran, guarded.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Valdez Theatre Conference
    ,
    2022
  • Professional
    ,
    Legacy Theatre
    ,
    2022

Awards

Winner
,
Best Short Comedy
,
Legacy Play Reading Festival, Legacy Theatre, Stony Creek, CT
,
2022