Origin
Sign In My Cart
Search
alphabetical author index
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Last Resort, The

  • Tom Ziegler
  • Full Length Play, Comedy, 1980s
  • 3M, 5F
  • ISBN: 9780573710407

In this delightful comedy about seniors, Marjorie Kendrick, the newest arrival to the Sunset Terrace Convalescent Home on Long Island, realizes that the staff is over-medicating her and other patients. With the help of her fellow residents, Marjorie plots a revolt and daring escape.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Play
  • Comedy
  • 105 minutes

  • Time Period: 1980s
  • Target Audience: Adult
  • Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
  • Cautions: Mild Adult Themes, Strong Language

  • Performance Group:
  • Senior Theatre, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre
The Last Resort proves that love not only can germinate, but can grow and flourish even in the most deathly environments.

Marjorie Kendrick, a widow half paralyzed by a stroke, is dumped into a posh Long Island nursing home by her son. Most of the other elderly patients she meets in the home’s recreation room are kept docile and cooperative by the use of drugs. The only exception is Henry Downs, who, as Marjorie soon learns, avoids the diet of pills by collaborating with the nursing home’s management.

Like most women her age, Marjorie has lived her life doing as she was told. But that changes following her brush with death, and as she fights her own paralysis, she strives to shake off the paralysis of the others. Little by little, the group comes to life until finally Marjorie galvanizes them into an all-out revolt. Even the sedentary Henry discovers that yes, there certainly can be not only life, but romance after 70.
REVIEWS:

"A pleasure... Mr. Ziegler is not afraid to put a little bite into his comedy."

 The New York Times

"Even if the plotting of their breakout is hilariously inept, you keep hoping they will make it... it is the attraction of Henry and Marjorie to each other, and their resistance to it up to a point, that gives the play its deepest humor and its tension... a pleasure."

 The New York Times

Premiere Production: The Last Resort was originally presented by Triangle Theater Company at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City in January 1988. Directed by Will Cantler, the production featured Rob Donohoe, Meg Mundy, Anne Stone, Albert S. Bennett, Fred Burrell, Gerri Beckham, Kathryn Eames and Marjorie Lovett.

Characters

  • Casting: 3M, 5F
  • Casting Attributes: Parts for Senior Actors

  • MARJORIE KENDAL – Senior citizen.
    HENRY DOWNS – Senior citizen.
    ISABEL LOWERY – Senior citizen.
    DOTTY BARTEL – Senior citizen.
    ABE WAXMAN – Senior citizen.
    ROSE FERGUSON – Senior citizen.
    STEVEN KENDAL – 30s. Marjorie's son.
    MARY MUELLER – Late 30s. A nurse.

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Last Resort, The Script This is optional. Order Now

    The Last Resort proves that love not only can germinate, but can grow and flourish even in the most deathly environments.

    Marjorie Kendrick, a widow half paralyzed by a stroke, is dumped into a posh Long Island nursing home by her son. Most of the other elderly patients she meets in the home’s recreation room are kept docile and cooperative by the use of drugs. The only exception is Henry Downs, who, as Marjorie soon learns, avoids the diet of pills by collaborating with the nursing home’s management.

    Like most women her age, Marjorie has lived her life doing as she was told. But that changes following her brush with death, and as she fights her own paralysis, she strives to shake off the paralysis of the others. Little by little, the group comes to life until finally Marjorie galvanizes them into an all-out revolt. Even the sedentary Henry discovers that yes, there certainly can be not only life, but romance after 70.

    		$24.95

    Related Works