THE ROCKET MEN

by Crystal Skillman

The Rocket Men will be announced shortly for a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere with The Phoenix Theatre starting its roll in Fall 2025 and going through Spring 2026. The three theaters are: Phoenix Theatre (Artistic Director: Constance Macy), Synchronicity Theatre (AD: Rachel May), and Angels Theatre Company (AD: Timothy W. Scholl). The press release goes out shortly, if you'd like more information, please write us. The play was originally commissioned by Alabama Center for the Arts and has been featured on NPR.

Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places...North Alabama. A startling new play about the intersection of scientific exploration and moral responsibility, “The Rocket Men” asks what it means “to be an American”.

Six women step into the roles of the former Nazis who sent us to the moon to share with us a story about the team that formed the backbone of NASA in the most unlikely of places...North Alabama. A startling new play about the intersection of scientific exploration and moral responsibility, “The Rocket Men” asks what it means “to be an American”.

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THE ROCKET MEN

Recommended by

  • Deborah Yarchun: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    A fascinating, theatrically innovative exploration of the complexities of history and the sometimes darker sides of technological advancements. Crystal’s play looks at a side of history few people know about and tackles it in a compelling way – truly worthy of a stage. I can’t wait to see a production of this play!

    A fascinating, theatrically innovative exploration of the complexities of history and the sometimes darker sides of technological advancements. Crystal’s play looks at a side of history few people know about and tackles it in a compelling way – truly worthy of a stage. I can’t wait to see a production of this play!

    ”
  • Kareem Fahmy: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    An utterly original look at a largely forgotten moment in history. Crystal expertly weaves together threads of science, war, compassion, and regret. Highly recommended.

    An utterly original look at a largely forgotten moment in history. Crystal expertly weaves together threads of science, war, compassion, and regret. Highly recommended.

    ”
  • Larry Bliss: THE ROCKET MEN by Crystal Skillman
    “

    I was drawn to The Rocket Men because of my fascination with America's manned spaceflight program, and stayed for its astonishing theatrics. Crystal's dialogue is razor-sharp and her stage directions project an engrossing spectacle that effortlessly pulls the audience through a complex history of political maneuvers and technical derring-do. The climax is shattering--and sobering.

    I was drawn to The Rocket Men because of my fascination with America's manned spaceflight program, and stayed for its astonishing theatrics. Crystal's dialogue is razor-sharp and her stage directions project an engrossing spectacle that effortlessly pulls the audience through a complex history of political maneuvers and technical derring-do. The climax is shattering--and sobering.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations

Development History

Production History

  • University, Athens State University, Calhoon College , 2023

Awards

  • O'Neill Play Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2024