Elephant Sighs
by Ed Simpson

Name: Elephant Sighs
Brand: Ed Simpson
SKU: 9780573697326
Rating: 4 (4 reviews)

Elephant Sighs Book Cover — Elephant Sighs Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Male

90 minsPresent DayAll MenInterior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers find the play interesting and quirky, appreciating its fresh take on storytelling. Many enjoy the unique perspective it offers, standing out from typical narratives.

Interesting and quirky storylineFresh perspective on storytellingNone noted

Synopsis

Comedy / 5mNot long after moving to the small town of Randolphsburg PA uptight lawyer Joel Bixby is invited by Leo Applegate an avuncular fast food connoisseur to join a group of townsmen who meet in a ramshackle room at the edge of town.

Leo has chosen Joel as a replacement for the late - and greatly beloved - Walter Deagon.

Despite protesting that he's just not an organizational man Joel finds himself mesmerized by Leo's ebullient manner and agrees to drop by - without ever asking just

ThemesMen--Societies and clubs Men--Societies and clubs--Drama PS3569.I4887 E54 2009

Press Reviews

"[Simpson is] exploring how these men use their ties with each other as a salve for their agonizing disappointments....Simpson isn’t poking fun at anyone...his writing is remarkably funny as well as perceptive and economical...."
— LA City Beat

"A meticulously crafted play about male bonding...an incredibly nuanced and knowing play. Comedy and tragedy co-mingle in almost equal measure....a breathtaking recognition of the nature of need and the power of instinct."
— Studio City Sun

"Ed Simpson’s comedy Elephant Sighs, is a warm, funny, and life-affirming tale... a sweet-spirited fable... The play’s keen ear for the dialogue of male-bonding rituals recalls the work of David Mamet... but Simpson has a gentler and delightfully quirky style all his own."
— Backstage West

"Heartfelt... thought provoking and enjoyable. There was laughter aplenty - laughter based on the accuracy of the play’s character-driven writing. Yes, there are many one liners in the Neil Simon tradition, but there are also five varied characters drawn with skill and perception."
— The Trenton Times

"Heartwarming... a compelling look at a group of men, it deals with life’s truly significant issues in a simple and forthright way... Inventive and thought provoking."
— The Courier Times, New Jersey

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Dink Feeney 50s-60s; a kind, smallish, perpetually gleeful and delighted man; devoted to his wife, family, and friends	female	50s	50s-60s; a kind, smallish, perpetually gleeful and delighted man; devoted to his wife, family, and friends
Nick Whalen 30s-40s; a volatile contractor beset by life; passionate; wears his heart on his sleeve	male	30s	30s-40s; a volatile contractor beset by life; passionate; wears his heart on his sleeve
Perry Latimer 30s-40s; Nick’s best friend and a former minister who now sells insurance; a decent man in the midst of a crisis of faith	—	30s	30s-40s; Nick’s best friend and a former minister who now sells insurance; a decent man in the midst of a crisis of faith
Leo Applegate 60s; large, loquacious, sentimental, and the beloved leader of the group; a fast food connoisseur.	—	60s	60s; large, loquacious, sentimental, and the beloved leader of the group; a fast food connoisseur.
Joel Bixby 30s; a well-dressed, uptight, emotionally guarded lawyer; a newcomer and a fish out of water	—	30s	30s; a well-dressed, uptight, emotionally guarded lawyer; a newcomer and a fish out of water