
That Awful Letter
CHARACTERS
SCENE I
SCENE II
SCENE III
A lively comedy opens in the well‑appointed sitting room of a fashionable city household, where Margaret, a self‑styled socialite, is fuming over a sudden invitation to meet a long‑lost country cousin. Her impatience and melodramatic sighs set the tone, and the arrival of her ever‑cheerful friend Helen only adds to the frantic banter. As Margaret vents about her father’s unexpected plans, the audience is drawn into a humorous clash of city polish and rustic charm, highlighted by witty repartee and the playful interference of a loyal maid.
The play’s cast of bright, distinct characters—snobbish Margaret, down‑to‑earth Elizabeth from the backwoods, the ever‑supportive Helen, and their circle of friends—creates a bustling tableau of misunderstandings and gentle ribbing. Their interactions promise plenty of laughs, especially as they navigate the awkward prospect of a “letter” that could bring a country girl into the heart of high‑society life. This spirited first act sets the stage for amusing entanglements without giving away what happens next.
Language
en
Duration
~41 minutes (39K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2016-08-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Best known for short, lively plays, this early 20th-century writer created cheerful pieces for children and amateur performers, including holiday and schoolroom comedies that still feel warm and stage-ready.
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