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Heather
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bullet Topic: Slapstick plays
    Posted: 5/31/09 at 12:17pm
I am preparing a role in an adaptation of the play 'Comic Potential' where my character, Carla receives a pie in the face and will be in our version be soaked by a bucket of water.

I've never done anything like this before and I'm researching other slapstick productions where characters have been messed up in the name of humor!

Could anyone tell me the titles of slapstick or other plays featuring pies to the face or wet scenes for me to research. Keen to see character reactions.

Thanks Heather
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pdavis69
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bullet Posted: 6/01/09 at 10:46am
I played reuben in Escanaba in Da Moonlight.  In this play, my character was put under a trance and his father and brother both try to bring him out by wet methods.  A milkshake purported to contain the dried and powdered testicle of a full grown moose (milk, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and mini marshmellows) was poured in my mouth and a jar of "porkypine piss" (apple juice) was tossed in my face.  I had to show no reaction to either.  Their next plan (which works) was to plant my face between the buttocks of a sleeping compainion and allow him to break wind.  Try doing that with a straight face.
Patrick L. Davis
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KEB54
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bullet Posted: 6/01/09 at 11:40am
In "Cocktails with Mimi" clam bisque is dumped on two characters' heads.
 
Make sure your costumer is on board and understands what happens.  He/she may have input on how, and of what, the concoction is made.
 
Another consideration.  Are the actors mic'ed?  You don't want to short out a $800 mic.
 
Remember, too, the blocking/action that takes place after the messy part.  You may not want actors to travel through the mess.
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tristanrobin
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bullet Posted: 7/04/09 at 9:43pm
Originally posted by pdavis69

I played reuben in Escanaba in Da Moonlight.  In this play, my character was put under a trance and his father and brother both try to bring him out by wet methods.  A milkshake purported to contain the dried and powdered testicle of a full grown moose (milk, chocolate syrup, sprinkles and mini marshmellows) was poured in my mouth and a jar of "porkypine piss" (apple juice) was tossed in my face.  I had to show no reaction to either.  Their next plan (which works) was to plant my face between the buttocks of a sleeping compainion and allow him to break wind.  Try doing that with a straight face.


I know this is a popular play, but, now I am forever grateful I've never been involved with this show - and know know to avoid watching it as if it were the plague.

Am I really the last person on earth who DOESN'T find that kind of garbage funny?!
http://tristanrobin.blogspot.com
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pdavis69
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bullet Posted: 7/06/09 at 10:56am
Yes, you are the last, but we promise not to think any the less of you.  It's all a matter of taste (or lack there of).
Patrick L. Davis
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DWolfman
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bullet Posted: 7/07/09 at 12:26pm
Originally posted by pdavis69

It's all a matter of taste (or lack there of).
 
Couldn't agree more.
 
There's  good taste, poor taste, and, sometimes, no taste at all.
 
Don't feel lonesome, Tristan,  I have the same reservations.
However, as you mentioned, the play does seem to have
a big following.  But then, isn't its playwright Jeff Daniels
(who I greatly admired in the film GETTYSBURG)
also involved in the film "Dumb and Dumber"?
 
Seems the trajectory has continued.
 
To those who appreciate that humor, no offense meant.
But, yes, there are those who don't.
Even a man who is pure of heart...
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DWolfman
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bullet Posted: 7/07/09 at 2:18pm
And, feeling the need  to answer Heather's original question
(even though she's probably worked it out by now):
 
I've researched youtube and google and cannot find
what I feel are examples that would help you
(got a lot of history and hokey amateur video).
 
My suggestion would be to trust your acting instincts,
character traits you've developed, and especially
the playwright himself.
 
In the script, Ayckbourn notes:
 
Carla stands stunned for a moment
 
then
 
Carla tries to remove the grunge
(in your case, water) from her eyes (clothes? hair?)...
Shakes (Trudi) off and stalks out.
 
Hope you enjoy what is a great part.
Even a man who is pure of heart...
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