FRANTIC IS THE CAROUSEL

When a rock is dropped from a bridge near a university, the worlds of three “couples” who are all somehow affiliated with the college are forced into collision and, as the tragic details unfold, an alarming degree of overlap is revealed. --Differences (in gender, age, sexual orientation, and social status) affect who we are, but are any of us as unique as we hope or as alone as we fear? Or are our lives more...

When a rock is dropped from a bridge near a university, the worlds of three “couples” who are all somehow affiliated with the college are forced into collision and, as the tragic details unfold, an alarming degree of overlap is revealed. --Differences (in gender, age, sexual orientation, and social status) affect who we are, but are any of us as unique as we hope or as alone as we fear? Or are our lives more intertwined than seems possible, and just how random is circumstance?

Frantic is the Carousel is what might happen if characters like Albee’s George and Martha were lost in O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night—but with the roles reversed, and as told from a female perspective. Action spans one day.

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FRANTIC IS THE CAROUSEL

Recommended by

  • Kirt Shineman: FRANTIC IS THE CAROUSEL

    This play spins a compelling narrative, intertwining characters with finesse and flair. The characters' interconnectedness drives the story forward with wit and verve. The play is a carousel of emotions, where each turn reveals more profound layers of relationships and tensions. Rita Anderson crafts a poetic ride worth taking, where every character interaction feels like a stroke of genius. It's a whirlwind of drama and humor, a true testament to Anderson's ability to keep the audience's heads spinning with delight.

    This play spins a compelling narrative, intertwining characters with finesse and flair. The characters' interconnectedness drives the story forward with wit and verve. The play is a carousel of emotions, where each turn reveals more profound layers of relationships and tensions. Rita Anderson crafts a poetic ride worth taking, where every character interaction feels like a stroke of genius. It's a whirlwind of drama and humor, a true testament to Anderson's ability to keep the audience's heads spinning with delight.

  • Cheryl Bear: FRANTIC IS THE CAROUSEL

    A fascinating play as we discover what each of these couples isgoing through and the choices they are needing to make. Riveting and well done.

    A fascinating play as we discover what each of these couples isgoing through and the choices they are needing to make. Riveting and well done.

  • Ali MacLean: FRANTIC IS THE CAROUSEL

    This thrilling play is both lyrical and blunt, with a plot that will keep you guessing from scene to scene. The two couples, a married couple in their fifties with well-traveled grudges and resentment at their mediocrity, skate on top of a thin ice of cordiality. The other, their son and his sexy, impulsive girlfriend, have no one to reign them in, which becomes tragic. The older couple ultimately has to decide if they will finally 'parent' their adult child, even if the consequences shake their status quo off its axis. Great strong female roles!

    This thrilling play is both lyrical and blunt, with a plot that will keep you guessing from scene to scene. The two couples, a married couple in their fifties with well-traveled grudges and resentment at their mediocrity, skate on top of a thin ice of cordiality. The other, their son and his sexy, impulsive girlfriend, have no one to reign them in, which becomes tragic. The older couple ultimately has to decide if they will finally 'parent' their adult child, even if the consequences shake their status quo off its axis. Great strong female roles!

View all 4 recommendations
CHARACTERS (2W, 2M. Race open, unless otherwise marked.)
LARKIN MADISON: beautiful loser, son of the provost. 25.
LUNA: Latina. Larkin’s girlfriend, a poet and a prankster. 30.
DOLLY MADISON: provost. 50s.
JAMES MADISON: Dolly’s husband, a failed academic, five years younger.

TIME: Present. Spans one day.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Mélange Theatre Company, Year 2021

Awards

  • Kenneth Ludwig Playwriting Award
    Kennedy Center
    Winner
    2013