A Nice Family Gathering
by Phil Olson

Name: A Nice Family Gathering
Brand: Phil Olson
SKU: 9780573632372
Rating: 3.27 (16 reviews)

A Nice Family Gathering Book Cover — A Nice Family Gathering Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 minsPresent DayStrong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)Interior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the heartfelt and comedic elements of the play, particularly its suitability for the holiday season. They mention the clever use of a ghostly character and the engaging one-liners that enhance the overall experience. However, some note pacing as a challenge that can affect the dynamics of the performance.

Heartfelt holiday themeClever use of ghost characterEngaging one-linersPacing can be challenging

Synopsis

"A Nice Family Gathering is a story about a man who loved his wife so much, he almost told her.

It's Thanksgiving Day and the first family gathering at the Lundeen household since the Patriarch died.

At the gathering, Dad comes back as a ghost with a mission; to tell his wife he loved her, something he neglected to tell her while he was alive.

After all, they were only married for 41 years.

The problem is, she can't hear or see him.

The trouble begins when Mom invites a date for dinner."--Publisher's website.

ThemesFamily reunions Family reunions--United States--Drama Marriage and spiritualism Marriage and spiritualism--Drama PS3615.L7526 N53 2006 Thanksgiving Day--United States--Drama Thanksgiving Day

Press Reviews

"Hilarious and touching!"
— LA Weekly, Pick of the Week

"Exquisite sense of humor!"
— Daily Variety

"A good heart is behind all this family silliness!"
— Los Angeles Times

"Garrison Keillor meets "Topper" by way of "Fargo"!"
— NPR

"A surefire, laugh-a-minute hit!"
— The Tolucan Times

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Mom 60s-70s	—	60s	60s-70s
Dad 60s-70s	—	60s	60s-70s
Michael the older brother, 30s-40s	male	30s	the older brother, 30s-40s
Jill Michael's wife, 20s-30s	female	20s	Michael's wife, 20s-30s
Stacy the younger sister, 20s-30s	female	20s	the younger sister, 20s-30s
Jerry the gentleman caller, 60s-70s	—	60s	the gentleman caller, 60s-70s
Mrs. Enquist the neighbor, 60s-70s (voiceover only, could double cast)	—	60s	the neighbor, 60s-70s (voiceover only, could double cast)
Carl the middle brother, 30s-40s	male	30s	the middle brother, 30s-40s