Noodles
Ideal comedy for community theatres! Ned is the 30-ish son of Ma and Pa Boodle whose efforts to introduce girlfriends to his family don't turn out very well. His family is somewhat "colorful"-his mother is a June Cleaver type at her homiest; his father is pretty clueless his grandpa manages a cat (rescue) house; and his sister Lulu is a hypochondriac with an equally germ-o-phobic boyfriend, Luke. Also there's the ever-helpful Jack, who resides in a cardboard appliance box in the middle of the Boodle living room, and the neighbor, Mrs. Doodah-Doodah. But Ned's latest introduction of a lady friend to the family is different. Elaine sees what few others see in the family Boodle. Why? Ned was once a close part of this daffy bunch, perhaps even a little daffy himself at one time. But something has changed him. Can Elaine help? Can Ned help his family cross over into his world? With understated humor, the final scenes just might help you view your own crazed flesh and blood with a knowing smile, a kinder eye and an open heart.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT L. DON SWARTZ
TALKS ABOUT "NOODLES"
Q.: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A.: I had the benefit of growing up in a wildly unconventional family. This play is a tribute to that experience.
Q.: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A.: I like the moment when Ned realizes that his family needs him and that he needs them more. There is nothing like the feeling of being a member of a loving family. Even if they are weird!
Q.: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A.: The characters are based on people I have known and people in my family.
Q.: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A.: I want to say to the audience: We all have wacky families. Cut them some slack and embrace them and love them while you still can.
Q.: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A.: The best part about writing plays are the surprises I receive along the way. I started writing "Noodles" and the characters took over. They demanded to be treated like real people, and once that sunk into my thick skull, I really fell in love with them and wanted to tell their story with dignity. It helps that they are based on people I love and respect.