A PLAYSCRIPTS TITLE

Silent, But Deadly

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  11w, 3m, 4 any gender (adult)

Don Zolidis

The set of the silent thriller Das Vampyr, Scourge of the Night is in desperate trouble. The director is a perfectionist, the actors are in revolt and everyone seems to be plotting to murder the lead actress. Can famed detective Valentina Caravelli unravel the mystery?

Silent, But Deadly

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    11w, 3m, 4 any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller, Parody/Spoof
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

The set of the silent thriller Das Vampyr, Scourge of the Night is in desperate trouble. The director is a perfectionist, the actors are in revolt, the producers are about to pull the plug and everyone seems to be plotting to murder the lead actress. But when one of the conspirators ends up dead instead, it’s up to famed detective Valentina Caravelli to unravel the mystery.

Acclaimed playwright Don Zolidis has created another laugh-out-loud send-up of a classic genre, with twists and turns and ghouls and glitterati all present for the most thrilling goings-on backstage at a silent movie production you’re ever likely to see. With fantastic opportunities for young casts to stretch their range and play roles with charm, vigor and Hollywood glamor, Silent, but Deadly is another Zolidis play sure to delight audiences and students alike. 

History

Silent, but Deadly first premiered at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, GA, on 16 December 2024.

Keywords
Performing Groups

PRINCIPALS

DESDEMONA O’TOOLE – a silent film star. Kind of a handful. (she/her)
KERMIT VON HOVEL – a strange man, playing the role of Das Vampyr. Might actually be a vampire. (he/him)
F.G. MACINTOSH – the director of the film, trying to salvage his dying career. (he/him, but could be any)
SADIE NORTH – a washed-up actress at the age of twenty-six, playing the role of the nun. (she/her)
WALKER BRONCO – a silent film star, playing the role of the romantic hero. (he/him)
JENS SVARLBARD – a producer on the film. Swedish.
(he/him, but could be any)
GRACIE LANSDOWNE – Jens’ assistant, very sunny (she/her, but could be any)
SUSAN WORLEY – a makeup artist. (she/her)
COOKIE – the caterer. (she/her)
VIRGINIA MOUNTBATTEN - a dresser. A hopeful actress. (she/her)
VALENTINA CARAVELLI – the detective. Italian. (she/her)

OTHER ROLES

GUS – holds the clacker. (any gender)
GIRLS – later vampire spawn. Playing six other residents of Mother Framingham’s Finishing School for Delinquent Young Ladies:
GIRL 1 – the ringleader.
GIRL 2 – an innocent.
GIRL 3 – the bruiser.
GIRL 4 – the flapper.
GIRL 5 – a mess, the crazy one.
GIRL 6 – a debutante.

Feel free to add stagehands, set people, and crew for a larger cast, including:

THE RAKE –  a silent role in the summary, can be played by one of the GIRLS.
MOTHER and FATHER – silent roles in the summary, can be played by one of the GIRLS.

Feel free to add stagehands, set people, and crew for a larger cast, including:

THE RAKE –  a silent role in the summary, can be played by one of the GIRLS.
MOTHER and FATHER – silent roles in the summary, can be played by one of the GIRLS.

  • Time Period Present Day, 1930s
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 90 minutes

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Don Zolidis

Don Zolidis

Don Zolidis, one of the most-produced playwrights in the world, is a former middle school and high school theater teacher. His 140+ published plays have been produced over 25,000 times, appearing in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and more than 80 countries around the ...

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