THE STORY: The play begins on the set of “The Care and Treatment of Roses,” an ambitious work by a budding young local writer, which is now in final rehearsal by a provincial Canadian theatre company. Animosity has already developed between the featured actress, a fading beauty who has worked extensively in the U.S. and hopes to make a comeback, and her leading man, a local celebrity who has been fearful of venturing afield and who resents his co-star’s haughty airs. Among the others present are a veteran character actor who cannot retain his lines; the male juvenile, who attends a wedding before opening night and turns up soused; a tyrannical stage manager; an eager, if overly diplomatic young director; and the novice playwright, who radiates quiet desperation. Whatever can go wrong does so but the show, despite all, goes on, even though the New York producer who has promised to attend never arrives, and the surprisingly good (if somewhat sententious) opening night notices set the cast members at each other’s throats—all lending special credence to a remark by one of the actors who, when the rattled director implores his cast to behave like adults, replies: “We’re not adults, we’re actors."
PLEASE NOTE: The Play Service only handles the United States licensing rights for this play.
A warm-hearted, lively and truly hilarious examination of backstage shenanigans by one of Canada’s leading playwrights. Dealing with the trials and tribulations of a provincial theatre company as it approaches opening night of its latest production, the play will strike a responsive chord with all who have suffered through this agonizing/exhilarating process.
“For anyone who has any knowledge of the life of the theatre, French has caught its moods, anxieties and foibles to a lunatic nicety.” —New York Post.
“…a sparkling Canadian comedy to rank up there with the best of them…comedy of character, filled with bitchy wit, warmth and affection.” —Toronto Star.
“…a sparkling gem of a comedy…what JITTERS offers is such delight we’d like it to go on much longer. Hilarity is in short supply these days.” —Drama-Logue.
“…an insider’s affectionate tribute to the theatre as a flawed way of life…JITTERS is an almost perfect comedy of its kind.” —The New York Times.
