MERGE

by Spenser Davis

FULL LENGTH. In 1976, Atari was the fastest growing company in the history of the United States, an arcade manufacturer with a workplace fueled by pot smoking, jacuzzi parties and nobody wearing socks. But when they're forced to sell themselves to Warner Bros. to stay afloat, they quickly realize that corporate cash comes with baggage. Exhibit A? They have to start wearing socks. Hilarious, high-stakes, and...

FULL LENGTH. In 1976, Atari was the fastest growing company in the history of the United States, an arcade manufacturer with a workplace fueled by pot smoking, jacuzzi parties and nobody wearing socks. But when they're forced to sell themselves to Warner Bros. to stay afloat, they quickly realize that corporate cash comes with baggage. Exhibit A? They have to start wearing socks. Hilarious, high-stakes, and packed with heart, MERGE is the story of a small band of programmers who stand up and fight back against the very company that saved them from bankruptcy, in a battle that threatens to crash an entire industry.

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MERGE

Recommended by

  • Mark Mason: MERGE

    A terrific play, evocative, comic and epic, with characters both really funny and hilariously real. Nails the joy and the tragedy of the era brilliantly, timely and deep, deserves a big production with great actors in the mood for intensity and humor and a helluva soundtrack.

    A terrific play, evocative, comic and epic, with characters both really funny and hilariously real. Nails the joy and the tragedy of the era brilliantly, timely and deep, deserves a big production with great actors in the mood for intensity and humor and a helluva soundtrack.

  • James Fleming: MERGE

    A funny, prescient play about the rise and fall of Atari. This play moves fast, is hugely theatrical, and (as with all of Spenser's work) features smart, hilarious dialogue. The play offers a warning that in a world in which everyone's fighting for their piece of the pie, you will end up losing something more important than money.

    A funny, prescient play about the rise and fall of Atari. This play moves fast, is hugely theatrical, and (as with all of Spenser's work) features smart, hilarious dialogue. The play offers a warning that in a world in which everyone's fighting for their piece of the pie, you will end up losing something more important than money.

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization The New Coordinates, Year 2015

Production History

  • Type University, Organization DMACC @ Ankeny Theatre, Year 2023
  • Type Professional, Organization The New Coordinates, Chicago, Year 2016