The Untold Yippie Project

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Untold Yippie Project

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  8any gender (adult)

The Untold Yippie Projectis an ensemble-based drama that examines friendship and violence, painting a picture of a both a divided and united America.

Image: 2017 Sunglasses After Dark Production (Ryan Fox Photography)

The Untold Yippie Project

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    8any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography, Period, Docudrama/History
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

Little-known fact: On August 6, 1970 a group of Yippies planned an Invasion of Disneyland and forced the park to an early close. But who were the Yippies, and how did they leave such a mark in Disney history? In this docudrama-style retelling, Shirley Bowlby, a research historian, documents Terry Altman, the wild-but-weary leader of the Yippies, as he organizes the protest in Disneyland – with secret hopes of digging into Clyde, a former friend who has betrayed him.

History

The Untold Yippie Project premiered in a production by Sunglasses After Dark Productions at the Access Theater in New York City in August 2017 under the direction Madeleine Rose Parsigian.

SHIRLEY BOWLBY (F) - 20’s-30’s, a research journalist; smart, empathetic.
TERRY ALTMAN (M) - 20’s-30’s, inspired by Abbie Hoffman; leader of the Yippie movement. Effervescent. Too smart for his own good. Vivacious. Sarcastic. A pain in the ass.
CLYDE SPRINGFIELD (M) - 20’s-30’s, a deserter of the Yippie movement and former best friend of Terry’s. Doing his best to have a stable life. Sweet and loving. 
CARSON LUFT (M) - 40’s-70’s, should be a little older than the rest of the cast; pragmatic, gentle, sensitive.  
THE ANNOUNCER (F or M) – the voice from above. 

THE NARRATORS (F or M) - 20’s-30’s, should be a dynamic ensemble of four actors/movers, each of whom play both narrators and a variety of character roles.

NARRATOR #1 (F or M) - plays DAN GRIMM, PHILIP LETTS, CHARLIE WALSH,BARRY HOUSTON, & RIOT CONTROLMAN #2
NARRATOR #2 (F or M) - plays MARGARET WILLIAMS, KENT WALSH, JUPITER, MARTHA, & RIOT CONTROLMAN #1 
NARRATOR #3 (F or M) - plays ROD TALSON, DIANNA WALSH, HUGH RAMIREZ, DUNCAN, RIOT CONTROLMAN #3, & NEWS ANCHOR 
NARRATOR #4 (F or M) - plays JOAN MANTELLI, SARAH ROSENBAUM, SUE WALSH, PETE CALVERSON, & JD DOUGLAS

All parts in this play can be played by anyone: any race, any gender.

  • Time Period Contemporary, 1970s
  • Setting

    1970 and Now. Everywhere but mostly Anaheim, CA.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission, Stage Combat
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language

Media

REVIEWS 

"It's a story that's supremely ripe for rediscovery [...] The Untold Yippie Project is fast-moving, exciting, and truly fascinating." - The Huffington Post, Read More 

ON BREAKING CHARACTER 

Our Picks for The 2019/20 Season: K-12 Edition
Felicia Lucas
April 23, 2019


Photos

  • The Untold Yippie Project

    Image: 2017 Sunglasses After Dark Production (Ryan Fox Photography)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Becca Schlossberg

Becca Schlossberg is a writer/performer. They are best known for their play Just Like I Wanted, a drama about teen suicide, which has been performed around the world. Their play 3boys is published by Original Works Publishing and received a 4-star review by Time Out magazine ...
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