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AACT
DEADLY ERNESTAdd to Cart
By: Donald PaytonAdd to Wish List
DEADLY ERNEST
Script: $9.00
   (Available in hard copy or digital download—choose at checkout)
Notebook Script: $16.75
   (8.5 x 11 3-ring binder with large margins for notes)
First Performance Royalty: $65.00
Each Additional Performance: $65.00
Limited Video Rights: $50.00
Limited Streaming/Broadcast Rights: $50.00
Extra Streams: $0.50
Artwork Image Download: $30.00
Type: Full Length Play
Genres: Comedy, Farce
Themes: Dating, Family
Running Time: 90 minutes
Speaking Cast: 8 females, 6 males, 14 total cast
ISBN: 978-1-61588-026-3
Script Preview   Productions
 
Recent Productions:
Spoon River Valley - London Mills, IL
Notre Dame de la Baie Academy - Green Bay, WI
Canon City High School - Canon City, CO
Santiam Christian Schools - Adair Village, OR
Cambridge High School - Cambridge, ID
Burman University Drama Society - Lacombe, AB, Canada
EJHS TAG! - McAlisterville, PA
Batesville High School - BATESVILLE, AR
Juniata High School - Mifflintown, PA
Angelica Players - Angelica, NY
Bellbrook High School - Bellbrook, OH
Pocahontas Area School - Pocahontas, IA
Cosmos Community Theatre - Cosmos, MN
Duncanville HS Theatre Department - Duncanville, TX
Eldon High School - Eldon, MO
winigan community theatre - Winigan, MO
New Hampton Community School Dist. - New Hampton, IA
Alta Community High School - Alta, IA
Adario Community Players - Shiloh, OH
Trinity Academy of Raleigh - Raleigh, NC
West Harrison Community School - Mondamin, IA
Jackson Christian School - Jackson, MI
Horace Mann Middle School - Wausau, WI
Northern Adirondack Drama Department - Ellenburg Depot, NY
Vermilion High School Drama - Vermilion, OH
Davie High School Drama Dept. - Mocksville, NC
Ocoee Middle School - Cleveland, TN
Farwell High School - Farwell, MI
Drama Club California High School - California, MO
Bedford Community School - Bedford, IA
Wilber-Clatonia High School - Wilber, NE
Bremen High School - Bremen, IN
Scio Central School - Scio, NY
Mount Vernon R-V School District - Mt. Vernon, MO
Stayton High School Drama Department - Stayton, OR
Green Bay East High School - Green Bay, WI
Reedsville High School - Reedsville, WI
Edgemont School - Edgemont, SD
 
Synopsis
Throughout history infants have been named “Ernest” and it’s safe to assume the recipients of said moniker have grown up and found their niche in life the same as the Johns, Bills, and Toms. There’s nothing startling or arresting or even unusual about the name—except to Henry Gilcrest.
 
It all started when Henry’s boss fired him, his girlfriend flat-out dumped him, and Aunt Ethel ordered him from her house because he hadn’t paid his rent. Well poor, homeless, girl-less, jobless Henry spends the night in the park and meets Mr. Bumpus. He pours out his troubles to Mr. Bumpus, who tells Henry that life has dealt him a miserable blow and he has a friend named Ernest who, for $17.83, gets poor, downtrodden people like Henry out of their distress. So Henry, in his pitiful, forlorn condition, pays the money, goes back home and finds (1) Aunt Ethel is ready to forgive him, (2) his girlfriend wants another chance, (3) his boss has given him a raise, and (4) life has never been better! Except for the fact that everyone Henry encounters from here on out is named Ernest. There’s Aunt Ethel’s gentleman friend - Margie’s new beau - and when a doctor is summoned for Henry, he turns out to be Dr. Earnest. You’ll enjoy each character in this rapid-fire, three act frolic with a clever finish! One interior set.
 

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