Dance for a Manatee

FULL LENGTH: The good folks of Little Oak Bluff, Indiana, are planning a fundraiser to ensure the future of the manatee. Trouble is, no one is exactly certain what the creature looks like. Still, the quirky cast of characters, including two flirtatious sisters of a certain age, a slacker who keeps changing his name to try to pick up women, and a politician who can only afford one campaign sign, give it their...

FULL LENGTH: The good folks of Little Oak Bluff, Indiana, are planning a fundraiser to ensure the future of the manatee. Trouble is, no one is exactly certain what the creature looks like. Still, the quirky cast of characters, including two flirtatious sisters of a certain age, a slacker who keeps changing his name to try to pick up women, and a politician who can only afford one campaign sign, give it their best shot. That is, until they discover the body that’s been unnoticed on the floor the whole time.
Enter Sergeant Doctor Ambrose P. Smith, who’d really rather be dancing. The body disappears, and it’s all good fun solving the alleged crime and figuring out just who is really who and what crimes have actually been committed.

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Dance for a Manatee

Recommended by

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Dance for a Manatee

    In her brilliant farce, “Dance for a Manatee,” Mara Dresner presents ineptitude for laughs. Fundraisers meet politicians meet dancing detectives, a cast of characters who live in a singular reality both believable and absurd. With great comic bits, rapid-fire repartee, and a plot that twists and turns like a roller coaster, the play delights from beginning to end. A gem of a comedy for actors of multiple ages and races. Audiences will buzz about this play for days. Highest recommendation.

    In her brilliant farce, “Dance for a Manatee,” Mara Dresner presents ineptitude for laughs. Fundraisers meet politicians meet dancing detectives, a cast of characters who live in a singular reality both believable and absurd. With great comic bits, rapid-fire repartee, and a plot that twists and turns like a roller coaster, the play delights from beginning to end. A gem of a comedy for actors of multiple ages and races. Audiences will buzz about this play for days. Highest recommendation.

  • Anastasia Wild: Dance for a Manatee

    You had me at saving the manatee! The ongoing fast-paced, entertaining banter is certain to endear these lovely characters to the audience as they grab your attention and pull you into the small-town shenanigans that Mara Dresner so hilariously creates. Excellent timing, great roles for "women of a certain age", and a hint of murder - you'll find it all a delight. Serve up the laughter with a side of romaine. And cheese!

    You had me at saving the manatee! The ongoing fast-paced, entertaining banter is certain to endear these lovely characters to the audience as they grab your attention and pull you into the small-town shenanigans that Mara Dresner so hilariously creates. Excellent timing, great roles for "women of a certain age", and a hint of murder - you'll find it all a delight. Serve up the laughter with a side of romaine. And cheese!

  • Cheryl Bear: Dance for a Manatee

    In the midst of high stakes fundraising, it's easy for a body to go unnoticed. Entertaining and well done!

    In the midst of high stakes fundraising, it's easy for a body to go unnoticed. Entertaining and well done!

Character Information

  • Kathy
  • Robert
  • Devon
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Forsythia
  • T Manah
  • Constantine
  • Sergeant Doctor Ambrose P. Smith

Development History

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Galesville (Wisc.) Old Main Performers,

Awards

  • Rover Dramawerks
    Semi-Finalist
  • Top 20 finisher, AACT New PlayFest
    American Association of Community Theatre
  • Robert J. Pickering Prize for Playwriting Excellence
    Branch County Community Theatre
    Runner Up