George wanders on stage and is met by stage manager Meg, who says he is to fill in for an actor who has had an accident. George is confused as Ellen Terry, Sarah Siddons and Henry Irving arrive, all apparently about to perform. But what in? Private Lives? Hamlet? Something by Beckett? As each starts playing his or her respective part George tries valiantly to follow them, but is forced to confront the Executioner as Thomas More in A Man For All Seasons. Taking its inspiration from the nightmare that actors of any background will have suffered – appearing on stage without having prepared – Durang‘s taut, smart comedy wields theatre history like an executioner’s blade. Trapped in a nightmare of his, or perhaps his author’s, devising, George must seek to free himself.
Forms a double bill with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You.