Boise Is the Paris of Idaho

by John C Davenport

Full-length: “Boise Is the Paris of Idaho” is a two-act comedy, with two scenes in the first act. It is set in the home of the Hammond family in Memphis, Tenn., in the 1930s. Uncle Hoo-ha, a train conductor by trade, is gradually emerging from a near-catatonic state that resulted from being thrown from a train several years earlier. His sister and mother are taking care of him, though they’re not above taking...

Full-length: “Boise Is the Paris of Idaho” is a two-act comedy, with two scenes in the first act. It is set in the home of the Hammond family in Memphis, Tenn., in the 1930s. Uncle Hoo-ha, a train conductor by trade, is gradually emerging from a near-catatonic state that resulted from being thrown from a train several years earlier. His sister and mother are taking care of him, though they’re not above taking advantage of his condition for their convenience. Seeing his sister’s name, Melinda, on her birth certificate sets Uncle Hoo-ha toward emerging from his condition, much to the consternation of his sister and mother. Among the memories he regains are of a romance he had – prior to his train accident – with a prostitute, also named Melinda, in Boise, Idaho. Another accident, suffered at home, hastens Uncle Hoo-ha’s recovery and helps him settle the score with his family. Other key factors in the play: biscuits; the diary of Melinda’s daughter, Imajean; the crossed paths of Uncle Hoo-ha, his doctor and the doctor’s fiancée; and a young neighbor and aspiring playwright who calls himself Tennessee Williams.

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Boise Is the Paris of Idaho

Recommended by

  • Steve Lyons: Boise Is the Paris of Idaho

    Some very funny parts. Zany. Loved Tennessee Williams showing up. Very whimsical, and yet you care about these characters. Recommended!!!

    Some very funny parts. Zany. Loved Tennessee Williams showing up. Very whimsical, and yet you care about these characters. Recommended!!!

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization G Squared Productions, New York, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Driftwood Players, Edmonds, WA, Year 2010
  • Type Reading, Organization Seattle Dramatists for new play festival, Year 2007