The Whale
by Samuel D. Hunter

Off-Broadway
The Whale Book Cover
The Whale Cover

Highlights

120 mins Present Day Ensemble Cast Interior Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Awards & Recognition

Drama Desk Award Drama League Award Lucille Lortel Award Outer Critics Circle

Winner! 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play Winner! 2013 Drama Desk Special Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre Winner! 2013 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New York Theatre Nominee: 2013 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Play Nominee: 2013 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play Nominee: 2013 John Gassner Award for Outstanding New American Play Finalist: 27th Annual Lambda Literary Award for best LGBT Drama of 2014/15

Synopsis

On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a 600-pound recluse named Charlie hides away in his apartment and slowly eats himself to death.

Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, Charlie reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen.

Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

Press Reviews

"Vibrant and provocative... Hunter explores his material with sharp-eared skill and sensitivity."

— Village Voice

"Extraordinary. As he did in his breakthrough play A Bright New Boise, Hunter has constructed an outsize, gothic scenario in tender miniature."

— New York Magazine

"⭑⭑⭑⭑ “A deeply affecting and piercingly amusing play by Samuel D. Hunter... Leaves an emotional wallop in its wake."

— New York Daily News

"⭑⭑⭑⭑ Critic’s pick! “Sharp and funny... Harrowingly good, endowing [its main character] with wit and dignity."

— Time Out New York

"Riveting... an impassioned and arresting clash of minds and emotions. I was glued to the stage... Equally dynamic and horrifying."

— New York Observer

Characters

Character
Liz

Mid to late-thirties, female.

Elder Thomas

19, male.

Ellie

17, female.

Mary

Early to mid-forties, female.

Charlie

Early to mid-forties, male, weighing around 600 lbs.

Videos

Samuel D. Hunter on The Whale

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
ISBN-13 9780573701665
ISBN-10 0573701660

The Whale is a play written by Samuel D. Hunter and published by Samuel French .

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Rating

4.1

136 ratings · 289 reviews

Review

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $130 per performance

Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)

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