Theophilus North
by Matthew Burnett, Thornton Wilder

Name: Theophilus North
Brand: Matthew Burnett
SKU: 9780573630415
Rating: 3.88 (19 reviews)

Theophilus North Book Cover — Theophilus North Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1920sEnsemble CastBare Stage/Simple SetPeriod CostumesAmerican Historical Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the clever adaptation of Wilder's novel, highlighting its wit and philosophical depth. Many find the performances memorable and commend the play's exploration of human warmth and hidden layers. However, some feel the narrative lacks focus and clarity at times.

Clever adaptation of a classicMemorable performancesWitty and philosophical depthNarrative lacks focus at times

Synopsis

It is the spring of 1926.

Thirty year old Theophilus North quits his teaching post in New Jersey and embarks on a quest for fun, adventure and his place in the world.

His used car breaks down in Newport, Rhode Island, and he is stranded in this city of renowned wealth.

Theophilus becomes involved in the lives and troubles of Newport's residents and is changed by the lessons he learns through them.

Effective with minimal sets, properties and costumes, this touching, funny and insightful charmer is exceptionally easy to produce

Press Reviews

"Hope pulses so strongly through Theophilus North... Burnett injects his script with cosmic scope... imaginative, forceful theater... charming and breathtaking all at once...iIn the spirit of Wilder and with a dramatic vigor all its own, the play turns large-hearted living into art."
— Variety

"Undaunted, [it] evokes... tender, unforced humanity... rich in dry humor, and in Wilder's... philosophy that the cosmic permeates the quotidian... gently funny, spryly wise."
— Time Out New York

"Charming... captures Wilder's spirit of genial humor and tempered optimism... ignites sparks of surprisingly deep emotion."
— New York Daily News

"Excavates the Wilder play buried in the novel.... this Theophilus North is unmistakably a cousin of Our Town... There are muscles rippling under the play's rose-scented skin."
— New York Sun

"Five stars... Purely sparkles with intelligence, wit and humanity... This is a play both for the head and the heart."
— Talkin' Broadway

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Man 1	—	—	—
Man 2	—	—	—
Man 3	—	—	—
Woman 1	—	—	—
Woman 2	—	—	—
Woman 3	—	—	—
Theophilus North Lead, male, 30s, daring, intelligent, but emotionally reserved adventurer who quits his job in search of excitement	male	30s	Lead, male, 30s, daring, intelligent, but emotionally reserved adventurer who quits his job in search of excitement