Butterflies Are Free
by StageCenter Community Theatre
Apr. 08 - Apr. 09 (2019)
“I could never do that. I’d wind up with both feet in the cole slaw.”
Young Don Baker, hero of his mother's children's book series, "Donny Dark" has been blind since birth, his overprotective mother following his every move. Don finally decides to take his own apartment in Manhattan and pursue his songwriting ambitions. When she meets his kooky neighbor, sexy actress Jill, Mrs. Baker's controlling instincts go into overdrive with hilariously touching results.
Butterflies Are Free*
Written by Leonard Gershe
Directed by Jay Thompson
Auditions April 8 & 9, 2019
Performances May 30 -June 15
Major Underwriting Still Available
CHARACTERS
2m, 2f
Don Baker is a young blind man. He is in his 20s and excited to be living on his own for the first time in his life. He is appreciative of his protective mother but is ready to experience a less sheltered life. He quickly falls for his exciting and independent neighbor, but he is naïve in his expectations for their relationship.
Jill Tanner is young enough and pretty enough that she can afford to be reckless in her decisions and relationships. She is fascinated by and attracted to Don. There is real chemistry between them, but her flighty nature rebels against the idea that Don could tie her down to a life she is ill-equipped to lead.
Mrs. Baker is Don’s overbearing but well-meaning mother. She does not approve of him moving away from home to New York. It is as big a step for her to let her son live independently as it is for Don to actually be living on his own. She is abrupt and controlling, but ultimately this is because she has her son’s best interests at heart.
Ralph Austin is the director of Jill’s new show. He is more than thrilled to have the amorous attentions of the pretty young girl. He is excited to meet Don after everything Jill has told him about Don’s life. Ralph is unaware of the effect his words and presence have on everyone in the apartment when he shows up late at night with Jill.
*Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French
