Appetizers, or "On an Island Somewhere"

by Scott Sickles

[ONE-ACT SPECULATIVE HORROR]
Alice and her husband host a farewell party of wine and hors d'oeuvres celebrating Tamara and her husband moving back to the Mainland after years on the Island. But why are they all there in the first place? When will they all be allowed to leave?
----
An evening of wine hors d'oeuvres celebrating Tamara and her husband finally moving off the Island back to the Mainland. She wants...

[ONE-ACT SPECULATIVE HORROR]
Alice and her husband host a farewell party of wine and hors d'oeuvres celebrating Tamara and her husband moving back to the Mainland after years on the Island. But why are they all there in the first place? When will they all be allowed to leave?
----
An evening of wine hors d'oeuvres celebrating Tamara and her husband finally moving off the Island back to the Mainland. She wants one last girl talk session with her BFF/hostess Alice, so she sends their hubbies – Calvin and Oliver – off to the man cave for a male bonding session of their own. Soon, they each begin to recall their experiences at Camp, a program where they learned to eradicate their desires for members of the same sex, embrace Christ, and come out with a brand new outlook and an assigned spouse. But will the emotional bonding lead to something beyond friendship. If so, what?

Approximate Running Time: 15-20 minutes

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Appetizers, or "On an Island Somewhere"

Recommended by

  • John Busser: Appetizers, or "On an Island Somewhere"

    11.25.24 - With an eye on where this country seems hell-bent on imposing it's Christian viewpoint, Scott Sickles imagines a f*cking frightening scenario where vacation-styled "camps" for religious indoctrination are forced upon those deemed deviant. The characters are both secretly sad at this program they must undergo, and infuriating in their acceptance (and in some cases, willingness) to belong. This should be seen by as many audiences as possible and right now. This is closer than we think.

    11.25.24 - With an eye on where this country seems hell-bent on imposing it's Christian viewpoint, Scott Sickles imagines a f*cking frightening scenario where vacation-styled "camps" for religious indoctrination are forced upon those deemed deviant. The characters are both secretly sad at this program they must undergo, and infuriating in their acceptance (and in some cases, willingness) to belong. This should be seen by as many audiences as possible and right now. This is closer than we think.

  • Morey Norkin: Appetizers, or "On an Island Somewhere"

    If he hasn’t already, Scott Sickles could easily compile an anthology of cautionary plays about the shift in America toward ultra-right Christian nationalism. And this play would could serve as either the intriguing intro or the frightening conclusion. Outstanding, important work.

    If he hasn’t already, Scott Sickles could easily compile an anthology of cautionary plays about the shift in America toward ultra-right Christian nationalism. And this play would could serve as either the intriguing intro or the frightening conclusion. Outstanding, important work.

  • Aly Kantor: Appetizers, or "On an Island Somewhere"

    This play is a structural snare, and it's brilliant. Detail by tiny, agonizing detail, a spirited island get-together transforms into something more sinister. As an audience member, it felt like eavesdropping, creating a sense of powerful intimacy. My giddiness over these secret connections was at war with my sense of dread - and the painful reversal was the nail in the coffin. Ultimately, this smart, subtle piece is painfully prescient and effective - necessary storytelling for this moment!

    This play is a structural snare, and it's brilliant. Detail by tiny, agonizing detail, a spirited island get-together transforms into something more sinister. As an audience member, it felt like eavesdropping, creating a sense of powerful intimacy. My giddiness over these secret connections was at war with my sense of dread - and the painful reversal was the nail in the coffin. Ultimately, this smart, subtle piece is painfully prescient and effective - necessary storytelling for this moment!

View all 14 recommendations

Production History

  • Type Fringe, Organization The Greenhouse Ensemble, Year 2020
  • Type Fringe, Organization Otherworld Theatre, Year 2017
  • Type Fringe, Organization The Greenhouse Ensemble, Year 2017

Awards

  • Science Fiction Shorts
    Playwrights' Round Table
    Semi-Finalist
    2020