Cuckoo Clock

by Jenna Jane

“Cuckoo Clock” is a one-act farce about a first date that goes horribly wrong, set inside a German restaurant. Hotshot college senior Grant, hellbent on getting his future in order, already has his whole life with Jill planned. Will Jill succumb to the fantasy and her people-pleaser tendencies? Will their waitress Wilma eliminate Jill as competition and finally attract Grant’s attention? And what’s up with that...

“Cuckoo Clock” is a one-act farce about a first date that goes horribly wrong, set inside a German restaurant. Hotshot college senior Grant, hellbent on getting his future in order, already has his whole life with Jill planned. Will Jill succumb to the fantasy and her people-pleaser tendencies? Will their waitress Wilma eliminate Jill as competition and finally attract Grant’s attention? And what’s up with that guy sitting in the corner? A cautionary tale for anyone who believes a relationship will save them, “Cuckoo Clock” explores what happens when people feel like they’re running out of time.

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Cuckoo Clock

Recommended by

  • Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre: Cuckoo Clock by Jenna Jane
    “

    I knew as soon as I read Cuckoo Clock that it would be so much fun, and that I had to direct it for my final play festival at my college. It takes the average first date story out of the norm by placing it in a German Restaurant with characters taking a first date to the extreme. If you’re looking for something with loads of comedy, very entertaining characters, a bunch of innuendos, and tons of fun movement and action, this play is what you are looking for.
    -Kathryn Ripley, Senior at Iowa State University

    I knew as soon as I read Cuckoo Clock that it would be so much fun, and that I had to direct it for my final play festival at my college. It takes the average first date story out of the norm by placing it in a German Restaurant with characters taking a first date to the extreme. If you’re looking for something with loads of comedy, very entertaining characters, a bunch of innuendos, and tons of fun movement and action, this play is what you are looking for.
    -Kathryn Ripley, Senior at Iowa State University

    ”

Character Information

A note from the playwright on gender references, below: These are only suggestions. Gender is just a performative social construct, anyway. Do whatever feels right to you.
  • GRANT
    Male, late teens to mid-20s. A college senior. Charismatic, driven, and direct. A planner who knows exactly what he wants.
    Late teens-Mid-20s
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • JILL
    Female, late teens to mid-20s. A freshman in her first week of college. Moved to a big city from a small town. Polite and proper. People pleaser. She’d rather be in an uncomfortable situation than hurt someone’s feelings.
    Late teens-Mid-20s
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • WILMA OSTERHAGE
    Female, 20s-40s. Thick German accent. A waitress who yearns for more. Sees Grant as her ticket to a better life. Passionate, but has a jealous streak. Wears her heart on her sleeve.
    20s-40s
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • HANS
    Male, 20s-50s. A regular at the Osterhage Café. Thick German accent. Unsure of how to express his feelings.
    20s-50s
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • PENNY
    Female, late teens to mid-20s. She’s gotta pee.
    Late teens-Mid-20s
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

  • University, Iowa State University, 2022