When the Mice Are Away

by Chris Smith

Emily and Roger wave goodbye to their third child for, what they work out, is their
first night of freedom from kids in six years. When Emily suggests they do something
crazy the evening of suggestions decends into absolute chaos.

Emily and Roger wave goodbye to their third child for, what they work out, is their
first night of freedom from kids in six years. When Emily suggests they do something
crazy the evening of suggestions decends into absolute chaos.

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When the Mice Are Away

Recommended by

  • Steven G. Martin: When the Mice Are Away by Chris Smith
    “

    Great comic wish list fun. I love that Emily and Roger let the genie out of the bottle. I also love that Chris Smith humanely lets them ratchet it down a notch or ten. "When the Mice are Away" would be a lot of fun in performance.

    Great comic wish list fun. I love that Emily and Roger let the genie out of the bottle. I also love that Chris Smith humanely lets them ratchet it down a notch or ten. "When the Mice are Away" would be a lot of fun in performance.

    ”
  • Ian Thal: When the Mice Are Away by Chris Smith
    “

    Emily and Roger are a hilarious portrait of a couple, who, when no one else is around, indulge each other's hedonistic, taboo-breaking, anti-social fantasies.

    Emily and Roger are a hilarious portrait of a couple, who, when no one else is around, indulge each other's hedonistic, taboo-breaking, anti-social fantasies.

    ”
  • Emily Worrell: When the Mice Are Away by Chris Smith
    “

    This is such a sweet play! It gives the audience a glimpse into a gleeful, funny, intimate moment in married life. Excellent, short-and-to-the-point, and perfect for any ten-minute festival.

    This is such a sweet play! It gives the audience a glimpse into a gleeful, funny, intimate moment in married life. Excellent, short-and-to-the-point, and perfect for any ten-minute festival.

    ”

Character Information

  • Emily
    Emily is a repressed mom. The only casting thoughts I've got for realistic playing of the character are that she (or even he if it's a gender swap) be of reasonable age to have three children under the age of six.
    25-45
    Femme
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Roger
    As with Emily, the only real restriction for realism's sake is that he (or she, however you feel it can be done) is of reasonable age to have three children under the age of six.
    25-45
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary

Production History

  • Community Theater, Winters Theater , 2025