Joe Manchester

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Playscript) - Acting Edition S. Joe Manchester

Musical comedy

Based on the story by James Thurber

Characters: 5 male, 6 female, and as many extras as desired.

Scenery: Various simple sets (or one basic set).

On his fortieth birthday Walter Mitty reflects on his drab, ordinary life. Defeated in his quest for wealth and glory by family responsibilities, a mortgage, and a routine job, he creates elaborate fantasies in which he is the hero. His secret world is so enticing that he often loses sight of the boundary between dream and reality and comically slips into his imagination. An attractive would be chanteuse aptly named Willa de Wisp encourages Walter to leave his wife, shed the burdens of suburban living and really live the secret life. Unfortunately it is as unattainable as it is appealing. At the end of the play Walter discovers that he is happily committed to the real world.

"A thoroughly pleasant musical evening."-- Time.