THE JAILHOUSE FROCKS

"A bright, unabashed stage romp that’s a lot of fun right from the start and guaranteed to lift spirits"

Cast: 3 Female / 2 Male
Length: 2 Acts (110 minutes)
Genre: Comedy
Synopsis: Shattering dimwitted Officer Dwayne’s tranquil evening at the Birchwood County police station is the arrests of three unlikely women; the mayor’s wife, the local mad cat-lady, and a dangerous looking New Yorker. The already chaotic situation descends into mayhem with the arrival of a New York gangster, disguised as an FBI agent, hell-bent on exacting revenge on his wife. By the end of the night, the ladies have formed a gang, sang some songs, escaped from jail and locked the gangster up in their place, leaving Officer Dwayne wondering how on earth he’s managed to make the arrest of a lifetime. Features the songs “Respect”, “Monster Mash”, “I Yi Yi Yi Yi” (I Like You Very Much) and “Mummy Works Nights”. Music licensing must be made with the relevant rights authorities.
Royalty / Performance Fee: $75 per performance (USA) Does not include music rights.

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Characters

3 Female / 2 Male

Officer Dwayne Pope - Incredibly upbeat, optimistic and dimwitted, Dwayne is making the best of his difficult situation. He has been transferred from a nearby Police Department to help the Birchwood County Police Department. Birchwood did not get the best deal. Dwayne never fully recovered from a head injury, although we suspect he was much the same prior to it... he just can be excused now.
Voice of the Chief - This may be pre-recorded, or delivered live by the actor playing Tony. The Chief communicates to Officer Dwayne via the police radio. The Chief is frustrated at being short staffed and having to work late. Unfortunately Dwayne hasn’t relieved the Chiefs workload but added to it.
Cathy Monroe - Cathy has cats. A lot of cats. Due to a cat related insect infestation of her house she is in search of a place to spend the night. She is insightful one moment, and half-witted and ludicrous the next. One thing she is not, is subtle.
Elena Davidson - Elena’s entire identity is wrapped around her reputation as the Mayor’s wife. Beneath her educated, highly strung and pretentious exterior is a woman trying to find her own place in the world.
Gloria Romano - A New Yorker with a tough exterior, Gloria is, along with her mobster husband Tony, hiding out in Birchwood County. Street smart Gloria is quick witted and a shrewd judge of character. She was trying to escape from her husband when she was arrested.
Tony Romano - New York mafia style gangster on the lam in sleepy Birchwood County with his wife Gloria. Tony is charming, menacing and very, very dangerous.

What the critics are saying

"Detour’s resident playwright and director Devon Williamson has produced a real cracker with this latest offering. One of New Zealand’s most prolific and skilful comic writers, The Jailhouse Frocks is his 13th full-length comedy.
The boy sure has a knack for filling theatres and making audiences roar with laughter. Thursday’s opening night played to a full house."
- Bay of Plenty Times

"The jokes come thick and fast, and they're pretty good – the opening night audience was in stitches, particularly when it came to the song and dance numbers. I won't ruin the surprise, but there are a few tunes in the play that are worth coming along to see alone."
- The Weekend Sun

"The Jailhouse Frocks is a bright, unabashed stage romp that’s a lot of fun right from the start and guaranteed to lift spirits. "

"Detour Theatre's Devon Williamson is one talented guy. The local playwright has been pumping out fresh, original comedies once a year for a while now, typically premiering his work at the theatre down in the Historic Village in March.
This year his latest is ‘The Jailhouse Frocks' – and it's a good one."

Productions

On Broadway Little Black Box Theater Union City, Michigan, USA
Detour Theatre (2018) Premier Season