Cement Hands

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Cement Hands

Short Play, Comedy  /  1w, 3m

In a fancy New York City hotel, Edward Blake sets up a play-within-a-play to convince his niece Diana that she's engaged to marry a supreme tightwad who can donate millions to charity, but can't leave a tip.
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    30 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene work
    • Competition or audition material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Cement Hands

Details

Summary

Diana Colvin, 21, rich and "the finest girl in the world," is engaged to marry Roger Osterman, 27, very rich and "the finest young fellow in the world." With the help of a mystified waiter, Diana's uncle (her lawyer and guardian) sets up a play-within-a-play to make sure Diana knows what she is getting into: marriage to a supreme tightwad who can give away millions to charity, but can't leave a tip. The action – full of high-jinks as well as a serious message – takes place in a fancy New York City hotel.

Published in Thornton Wilder One-Act Series: The Seven Deadly Sins, representing “Avarice.”

Cast Attributes
EDWARD BLAKE – A lawyer, 50
PAUL – a waiter, 55
DIANA COLVIN – Blake’s niece, 21
ROGER OSTERMAN – Diana’s fiancé, 27
  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting A corner in the public rooms of a distinguished New York hotel. 1957.
  • Duration 30 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

Videos

  • Thornton Wilder: It's Time youtube thumbnail

    Thornton Wilder: It's Time

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £40 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder (1897-1975), born in Madison, Wisconsin, and educated at Yale and Princeton, was an accomplished novelist and playwright whose works explore the connection between the commonplace and the cosmic dimensions of human experience. The Bridge of San Luis Rey, one ...

View full profile

Community

Now Playing

Community Experiences