TALK OF THE TOWN

by Mike Bencivenga

TALK OF THE TOWN is a comedy adapted from James Thurber's classic memoir 'The Years With Ross.' It tells the story of the birth of The New Yorker magazine in the 1920's and paints a portrait of its eccentric creator and editor, Harold Ross. It also chronicles the rise of James Thurber from the small time Ohio newspaperman he was, to the world famous humorist and cartoonist he became. Most of all 'TALK' is a...

TALK OF THE TOWN is a comedy adapted from James Thurber's classic memoir 'The Years With Ross.' It tells the story of the birth of The New Yorker magazine in the 1920's and paints a portrait of its eccentric creator and editor, Harold Ross. It also chronicles the rise of James Thurber from the small time Ohio newspaperman he was, to the world famous humorist and cartoonist he became. Most of all 'TALK' is a loving tribute to the importance of laughter, especially during dark and troubling times.

I have the permission and blessing off the Thurber estate to do this adaptation.

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Recommended by

  • Audrey Webb: TALK OF THE TOWN by Mike Bencivenga
    “

    An immensely charming play full of wit! Great structure and characters. It's warm and relatable and would make for a very rich night of theatre. Congratulations, Mike!

    An immensely charming play full of wit! Great structure and characters. It's warm and relatable and would make for a very rich night of theatre. Congratulations, Mike!

    ”
JAMES THURBER (32), a visually challenged, iconic writer and illustrator
HAROLD ROSS (34), an exasperating and eccentric editor-in-chief
E.B. WHITE (28), a dapper writer, editor and confirmed bachelor
KATHARINE ANGELL (31), a literate, New England force of nature
WOLCOTT GIBBS (29), a highly competent, hight-strung jack of all trades
ELSIE DICK (27), Ross's unflappable, flapper of a secretary

ALTHEA THURBER (26), Thurber’s disenchanted first wife
EUGENE SAXTON (40), a fussy editor at Harper & Brothers publishing
HELEN WISMER (27), a woman of letters and great humor
BARTENDER (30), a cocktail shaker in a speakeasy
PHOEBE (27), a good time girl in the roaring 20s

DOROTHY PARKER (32), Legendary poet, writer and satirist with a biting wit
ALEXANDER WOOLLCOTT (40), Drama critic and long-time friend/nemesis of Ross
ROBERT BENCHLEY (56), Humorist, actor and denizen of the Algonquin Round Table.

DOUBLING NOTE:
Though there are 14 roles in the play it can be performed with as few as 6 actors. The actor cast as ELSIE can double as ALTHEA, DOROTHY PARKER, PHOEBE and HELEN. And the actor playing WOLCOTT GIBBS can also play ALEXANDER WOOLLCOTT, BARTENDER, SAXTON and ROBERT BENCHLEY with no overlap.

Development History

  • Reading, Dayton FutureFest of New Plays, 2021

Awards

  • Best Stage Play
    Screencraft Stage Play Competition
    Runner Up
    2023
  • Best Stage Play
    Austin Screenwriting Competition
    Winner
    2022
  • Best Play
    Dayton FutureFest of New Plays
    Audience Choice
    2021