JOSHUA WILLIAM GELB

A Play in Five Acts by Joshua William Gelb

"It is devastating to admit but must be said: Georges Badley Junior is dead."

Plot Summary:
When the body of the local heir, Georges Badley Jr., is discovered mutilated beyond recognition, the town of Little Worthing falls into a state of pandemonium. But Georges Badley Jr. is not as dead as he seems. With the sneaking suspicion his wife and in-laws killed his father for their fortune, and the overwhelming fear he too could be next, Georges Badley Jr. has faked his death and fled town, desperate to find a new life free from greed's clutches.

But a new life is hard to come by. In the woods adjacent to Little Worthing, Georges is plagued by a snooping tax inspector and a mysterious recluse who knows his secret. And with his "widow" pregnant, the future of his estate at risk, and suspicion in town rising as to the legitimacy of his murder, Georges is forced to conceal the truth at all costs, playing ever more roles and devising ever more deceits.

A grand five act verse play, The More Learned Fool modifies the traditional comedy of manners to create a dangerous social drama; proving no act, however trivial or well intentioned, is without consequence.

Cast:
Ten men, three women.

Running time:
2 1/2 Hours
+Intermission

Previous Productions and Readings:
Room 5001's "Incomplete Works" Reading Series
LasalleHolland Management
November 2006
Directed by Craig Jorczak

2005 hotINK Festival
Presented by Playwrights Horizons Theatre School
NYU Tisch
February 2005
Directed by Allegra Libonati