I love the world Robin has created in TRIP-TRAP. The characters are so well crafted and the dialogue so well written. I especially enjoy the relationship between Molly and her daughter, Flora, and how they deal with the real world when it infringes on their peaceful, fairy tale existence.
– Lucy McMichael (NYC actor)
Development History
Onstage Readings: The Producers Club, The Dramatists Guild, AMT Theatre. All NYC.
Drama with healthy doses of comedy.
4f; 3-4m (depending on doubling).
90+ min.
Flexible staging.
Opportunities for projections.
A look at the contrast between experiencing life through the lens of a device and experiencing it the old-fashioned way – in person. Molly and her teenage daughter, Flora, live in the story “Molly and the Peaceful Llamas” by Hans Christian Andersen. Molly hid in the story when real life broke her heart. Flora rebels. She doesn’t want to be a two-dimensional story character, but live in the real world and have adventures.
Urged on by a New York native (who happens to be a frog) Flora escapes and heads for New York City in the company of a dangerous troll. Two goats on a nearby farm risk their lives to rescue her. Meanwhile Molly, frantic to find her daughter, is tempted by sensual pleasures to remember the past and go rescue Flora in the real world.
The troll turns vicious when Flora won’t submit to him. She escapes to the top level of the G.W. Bridge. The others arrive just as it looks like the troll will have his way with Flora. In a battle royale, aided by her mother and friends, Flora rejects an easy out, risks her life and defeats the troll. The sun rises over the city of her dreams, mother and daughter are reunited, and the world is Flora’s oyster!
CHARACTERS:
MOLLY – 38. Flora’s mother. Inside a story since a repressed affair with Hans Christian Andersen in 1822.
FLORA – 18. Determined to experience the real world.
ROBERTO – A frog. New Yorker. All-knowing. Graceful, physical.
STEVE – Ugly, highly dangerous troll. Rejection has scarred him.
HOOT – Female goat. A feminist.
ANNABELLA – Young Tennessee Fainting Goat. Well read.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN – Age 26. From 1822. Charming. Trying to figure out his sexuality. (Same actor also plays KLAUS – Young German Shorthaired Pointer dog. Wants freedom.)
Rice creates a fantastical journey full of whimsy and heart. This play is widely creative and offers a great sense of childlike wonder within this world that Rice masterfully develops. Rice allows for some truly touching moments that just add extra delight to this charming play.
– Brenton Kniess
For inquiries, contact the playwright.
