ALiEN8 (with DAVID LEE WHITE)

by Kate Brennan

In a small Midwestern town, a tornado touches down on prom night, leaving devastation in its wake. The prom-goers emerge from the school to discover a third of their town gone. Amidst the rubble, a stranger appears - an otherworldly character who identifies only as "8." 8 communicates through a unique gestural language and begins to acquire English by reading YA classics like "Catcher in the Rye," "Lord of the...

In a small Midwestern town, a tornado touches down on prom night, leaving devastation in its wake. The prom-goers emerge from the school to discover a third of their town gone. Amidst the rubble, a stranger appears - an otherworldly character who identifies only as "8." 8 communicates through a unique gestural language and begins to acquire English by reading YA classics like "Catcher in the Rye," "Lord of the Flies" and "Grapes of Wrath." But when the students start to learn 8's unconventional language, they threaten to unearth the town's past, including a shameful secret that most of the town would rather keep buried. ALiEN8 is a new musical about past sins and future reconciliations - about the parts of ourselves that we alienate to get by and the other parts we risk for a chance to connect.

ALiEN8 is available for licensing through YouthPLAYS.

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ALiEN8 (with DAVID LEE WHITE)

Recommended by

  • James Christy: ALiEN8 (with DAVID LEE WHITE) by Kate Brennan
    “

    This play I just think is so incredibly relevant to what so many young people are feeling and thinking right now. But it's executed in a way that is accessible and relevant to all. Themes of people questioning their identity, themes of people feeling alone/alienated, but also a great spirit of hope and beautiful (and yes sometimes very catchy) music. I'm excited for this play to get out into the world, it is the perfect post-pandemic play for people to experience in a room together.

    This play I just think is so incredibly relevant to what so many young people are feeling and thinking right now. But it's executed in a way that is accessible and relevant to all. Themes of people questioning their identity, themes of people feeling alone/alienated, but also a great spirit of hope and beautiful (and yes sometimes very catchy) music. I'm excited for this play to get out into the world, it is the perfect post-pandemic play for people to experience in a room together.

    ”
  • Sage Tokach: ALiEN8 (with DAVID LEE WHITE) by Kate Brennan
    “

    This play is SO important for young audiences (and all audiences, but it's especially tough to find good TYA that explores gender and identity without trying to hide it). Brennan and White tackle some complex topics with genuine dialogue and unique, thoughtful music. I was able to attend a performance of ALiEN8, and the audience was completely captivated. The show sparked one of then most exciting talkbacks I've ever attended, and I'd see it again in a heartbeat. I only wish I had seen it when I was a kid.

    This play is SO important for young audiences (and all audiences, but it's especially tough to find good TYA that explores gender and identity without trying to hide it). Brennan and White tackle some complex topics with genuine dialogue and unique, thoughtful music. I was able to attend a performance of ALiEN8, and the audience was completely captivated. The show sparked one of then most exciting talkbacks I've ever attended, and I'd see it again in a heartbeat. I only wish I had seen it when I was a kid.

    ”

Character Information

There are 13 principle roles in the show, with a number of small roles for an ensemble.
  • PASTOR WARREN
    The moral compass of the town of Festial, MO.
    40s-50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • 8
    Character has no gender. Can be played by any gender. May or may not be an alien.
    ?
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
  • JANET WARREN
    Pastor Warren's wife and Anna's mom. Doesn't always like the message her husband preaches.
    40s-50s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ANNA
    Strong-willed. Defiant. Scared. Daughter of Pastor Warren and Janet. Abby's older sister.
    17
    Female,
    possibly gay
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • RAY BERRY
    Zach's father. Used to be a semi-famous pop star.
    40s-50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ZACH
    Son of a rockstar. Definitely not a rockstar. Whatever his sexuality is, he hasn't figured it out yet.
    17
    possibly asexual
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • LINDA FOSTER
    Principal of the school.
    40s-60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • EMILY
    Bit of a goth-chick, songwriter, rockstar-in-training
    17
    Female,
    Gay
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ETHAN
    Bit of an internet conspiracy theorist
    17
    cis-male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • HALEY
    Ambitious. Straight-A student.
    17
    Female,
    straight
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ALEX
    A dancer. The new kid in school.
    17
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • ABBY DANCER
    Double-cast with Alex
    13
    non-binary or trans
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Child,
      Teens,
      20s
  • MICHAEL BRASFIELD
    High School guidance counselor. Tries to do the right thing. Misses the boat sometimes.
    30s-50s
    Male,
    straight
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • ERICA TANNER
    Literature teacher. Well-liked by students.
    30s-50s
    Female,
    straight
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Ignition Arts, 2018
  • Commission, McCarter Theatre and Education Program, 2017

Production History

  • University, Drexel University, 2019

Awards

  • Mandell Professionals in Residence Project
    Drexel University
    Selection
    2019