The last play that our high school drama club did was The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged). Unfortunately, it was not well received, as the population of my area is much older--mainly senior citizens. We grossed only $1,200, including concessions. Poor!

So, with that in mind, we'd like to gear our future productions to older crowds. With this in mind, we would like to put on a play that meets the following criteria:

--It must be rather well known.
--It must be a comedy.
--It should be set between the 1920s-early 1960s.
--It should require only one set--our stage is not large, and it is our first opportunity in YEARS to build a set of visual interest with period accuracy. (this is a big thing for me)

However, we have some problems:
--We only have three or four male actors.
--We are limited to a budget of approximately $1,700.
--It cannot be a musical.

Unfortunately, one of our male actors decided not to return. Otherwise, we were considering a heavily-modified Arsenic & Old Lace. Can you recommend any plays along these lines?

Thank you for all of your help. I'm literally trying to do everything with nothing.

-John

Thank you for your suggestions. Re: our budget--I'd love to exceed it, but I don't think our treasurer would be too pleased. Last I checked, we have only $2,200 total.

We closed our season with Catholic School Girls and it was the highest selling show we've ever done. It attracted a new senior crowd that loved it. No men at all needed and a single, simple set. It is not a "name" show but it sold like crazy.

Obligatory warning known and accepted by me, but suffice it to say, it wasn't my idea. And the person whose idea it was... what they say, goes. Sometimes for better, other times... worse.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll bring them up at our next meeting to see what they all say.

You Can't Take it With You seems to be a favorite, no matter where I ask. I think we may be on to something.

Thanks for the suggestions--I'll take 'em to the meetings.