110 In The Shade
N Richard Nash
The Rainmaker
by N Richard Nash
Broadway
Highlights
1930s Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle) Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes Comedy
Synopsis
At a time of paralyzing drought in a small Texas town, Lizzie Curry’s father and two brothers worry as much about her potential future as an old maid as they do about their dying cattle.
As the dry heat rages, they try unsuccessfully to find her a husband.
Suddenly, a handsome, sweet-talking man named Bill Starbuck appears in town.
Claiming to be a “rainmaker,” Starbuck promises – for $100 – to bring rain to the desiccated town.
Though some remain skeptical, the Currys finally consent, banging on big brass drums to rattle the sky.
Meanwhile, Starbuck turns his magic on Lizzie, convincing her that she possesses a beauty of her own.
Despite herself, Lizzie believes it, just as her father believes that this mysterious stranger might actually bring rain.
Press Reviews
"The notion of dreams coming true might seem a preposterous conceit in a more cynical era, yet The Rainmaker, N. Richard Nash’s unabashedly optimistic 1953 teleplay-turned-Broadway-hit, still has the power to keep disbelief at bay… After nearly half a century, The Rainmaker still makes a handsomely staged case for miracles."
— Los Angeles Times
"[The Rainmaker’s] underlying theme – the need for faith in oneself and others – is universal."
— Chicago Reader
"Timeless themes… the show still has something to say to today’s audiences."
— New City Chicago
"Admirable skill… [and] insight into the human heart… The touch of a poet… A hit you must see."
— New York Daily Mirror
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| H.C. CURRY |
| NOAH CURRY |
| JIM CURRY |
| LIZZIE CURRY |
| FILE |
| SHERIFF THOMAS |
| BILL STARBUCK |
Videos
The Rainmaker – BoHo Theatre Chicago Trailer
Publication
The Rainmaker is a comedy play written by N Richard Nash and published by Samuel French .
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Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $130 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
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