Alienne
Jim Colleran
The Return of Halley's Comet
by Andrea Green
Highlights
90 mins Present Day Ensemble Cast Interior Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
Synopsis
The Return of Halley’s Comet presents a metaphorical story about the alienation of people who appear different.
Arrival of strangers causes people in a small town to react fearfully.
It is only through communication and then understanding that acceptance is achieved.
The musical explores themes of bullying, alienation, communication, cooperation and acceptance of self and others.
The show tells the story of aliens, or “Haliens,” who return to Earth to find their old friend.
When they arrive, they find that Mayor Maggie Banks and her cronies want to capture and sell the Haliens to the circus.
Some humans in the community band together to try to understand and save the Haliens by standing up to the bullying and prejudiced views of their neighbors.
Author Andrea Green received a 2015 special award from the United Nations for her work exemplifying the ideals and mission of the organization, for fostering empathy, understanding, acceptance and unity between people.
Directors have flexibility determining the time period (time span) in which the musical takes place and they can, with actor/student participation and with permission from the playwright, design the look of the “Haliens” for their own production.
Press Reviews
"Andrea’s music and lyrics are timeless, beautiful and artistically created! You will find no more talented composer and lyricist in children's or adult's musicals! I highly recommend you consider The Return of Halley’s Comet and her body of work and guarantee you will enjoy working with each and every script you select."
— Bruce A. Curless, Producing Artistic Director, Ritz Theater Co., Westmont, NJ
"Thank you for creating such great music for the middle school age. It’s very hard to find literature for them to take seriously and they appreciate the maturity you have brought to the musical theater community."
— Elizabeth Nelson, Music director, Millhopper School, Gainesville, FL
"The playwright’s message is clear and kids embrace her material with enthusiasm and sensitivity. Her songs are meaningful, melodic and written in a range for children to execute well. Andrea puts her heart and soul into her work. Looking forward to our next ‘Green’ production."
— Robert D. Nation, Theater director, Cherry Hill Summer Theater, Cherry Hill, NJ
"I loved The Return of Halley’s Comet very much. The idea is great. All over the world are problems of intolerance, specially among youngsters in schools. Here, in Estonia, we don't have problems of racism, be cause we were a part of the Soviet Union for 50 years and there are mostly white people in this country. But, we do have conflict between Estonians and Russians. Good relations and love between people is very very important to me."
— Franka Vakkum, Director of Theater for NGO Group, Estonia
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| HISTORIAN elderly gentlemen who recounts the story of Halley's Comet |
| JENNY PONTILLO young girl with braided hair; from the year 1910 |
| DAWN DEFENSTER defense attorney for the Haliens |
| PETE PAYBACKLE attorney representing Maggie Banks and the town of Centuryville |
| MRS. WISEMAN teacher who discovers the news article from 1910 |
| SHERIFF JOE LAWLESS ignorant official who oversees deputies |
| BAILIFF BOB tough courtroom bouncer who stands next to Judge and guards the courtroom |
| JESSE HEISTER magnetic traveling salesman |
| LORETTA LORY comic, nasal stenographer who types and transforms into a Latin dancer |
| MRS. MARY MERRIWEATHER president of the Centuryville's Women's Social Club |
| REGINALD DAVIS III chairman of the Centuryville Savings and Loan Bank |
| MAGGIE BANKS ruthless, ambitious Mayor of Centuryville and mother of six |
| MELVIN BANKS nerdy, bullied husband to Maggie Banks |
| PROFESSOR I CURIO eccentric, brilliant professor who is running for Mayor in the new election |
| SWEENEY adorable, spunky campaign manager to Professor Curio |
| ANGIE governess to the Mayor's children |
| CLARA 18, oldest daughter; attends private Bestview High and is a snob |
| NELLY 16, second oldest daughter; is looking for love from her mother; supports Professor I Curio’s efforts to stop the divide in town; also develops a relationship with Sweeney and with the Haliens; is interested in dance and astronomy |
| JANE GENEVA 14, loudmouthed, spoiled-brat daughter of Mayor |
| SAMANTHA 12, quiet, bookworm daughter of Mayor |
| LYDIA 10 , frilly and feminine daughter of Mayor |
| DALE 8, tomboy daughter of Mayor |
| HENRY 6, only son of Mayor; looks and behaves exactly like Melvin |
| BABY MAY 5, youngest child of Mayor; is the spitting image of her |
| JUDGE FAIRVIEW oversees courtroom and the trial |
+ 18 more characters
Videos
Interview with Andrea Green
Publication
The Return of Halley's Comet is a play written by Andrea Green and published by Concord Theatricals .
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Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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