I'm looking for some really funny plays for my community theatre. These plays need to have a reasonably sized cast (10 or less) and just be, in your opinion, side-splittingly funny. Some examples I know are Noises Off and The Foreigner. anyone have any suggestions?
On a seperate note, should "side-splittingly" be hyphenated? and is that how you spell "hyphenated"? ... THANKS!
Updated On: 4/5/08 at 10:55 PM
Odd Couple (I've heard it was hilarious) and the Sunshine Boys are coming to my head - best of luck with whatever you choose!
Although it's lined with tragedy, I do think The House of Blue Leaves is a brilliantly funny play.
The first ones that came to mind:
Beyond Therapy (Christopher Durang)
Reverse Psychology (Charles Ludlam)
Absurd Person Singular (Alan Ayckbourn)
On the Razzle (Tom Stoppard) is a hoot and a half, but the cast is too big. And don't try Noises Off unless you have a very big set budget.
"Side-splittingly" should be hyphenated. (And note the spelling.)
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
"Squabbles" is basically a live sit-com, and seems to be like what you have in mind.
"Enchanted April" was kind of dull in the first act but hilarious in the second.
and the phrase "side-splittingly" is hyphenated
I was actually just in a production of Noises Off. Believe me, we do NOT have the budget for a set for that show!
Much Ado about Nothing (Shakespeare) also belongs in the "side-splittingly funny" category. On the minus side, the cast is too big. On the plus side, the rights are cheap.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
I was actually just in a production of Noises Off. Believe me, we do NOT have the budget for a set for that show!
Then how did you manage to turn the set around for Act Two (with staircases on both sides)?
Slimandslam, great minds think alike!
And so do ours.
This was at a different theatre, where we had a most excellent rotating stage. Best show I have ever done!
Funniest plays:
Noises Off
Arsenic and Old Lace
Auntie Mame
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
I second "The House of Blue Leaves"
Crimes of the Heart
The Mystery of Irma Vep (drawback the cast is only 2 men)
Greater Tuna (drawback the cast is only 2 men)
Swing Joined: 8/7/06
Lend me a Tenor (Ken Ludwig)
or
Shakespeare in Hollywood (Ken Ludwig)
both very funny plays by a very funny playwright!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
FUDDY MEERS
David Lindsay-Abaire.
One of the funniest plays I have ever read.
You Can't Take it With You is quite funny as well.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/18/07
Arsenic and Old Lace, Auntie Mame and You Can't Take It With You have more than 10 characters.
I don't think time has been kind to The Odd Couple.
Moon Over Buffalo is lame with lots of plot holes.
What about Charley's Aunt?
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/19/08
My university put on a production of "Rumours" by Neil Simon last fall, & it was one the funniest plays that I've ever seen.
Besides Noises Off, The Foreigner, Auntie Mame, Lend Me A Tenor House of Blue Leaves and Charley's Aunt, I would suggest Laughter on the 23d Floor - Other than Noises Off, I don't think I ever laughed longer and harder than at that show - except a half hour afterwards I could barely recall any jokes.
Man Who Came to Dinner is very funny as well.
I was just gonna say Neil Simon's Rumors. Actually, I read that yesterday for an audition for it in a community theater where I live. I believe there is only 1 set for the entire production too. Actually, almost any comedy by Neil Simon is probably really good. He's just a good writer, in my opinion.
I am currently in a production of Lindsay-Abaire's "Kimberly Akimbo". I love it. 5 person cast, and hillarious.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/12/05
Well, if it can be a musical, I suggest Avenue Q.
Because it's a small cast, they would need to be mighty talented and be able to multi task very well.
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