Danielle has survived a shocking act of workplace violence; her quiet older co-worker Jimmy has not. A small act in his final moments becomes a clue that sets Danielle off on a quest on his behalf, a quest that sends her down a rabbit hole of secrets, lies, and questions about her own place in the moral universe – and the state of the moral universe itself.
You Have Earned Bonus Stars is a comedy about tragedy, an exploration of the judgement we all face – from the great beyond, from each other, and from ourselves.
Cast:
The play should be done with five actors:
1. Danielle, vaguely 30-ish, any ethnicity. She appears to be the very model of a “good girl”, but that is not her whole story. Danielle is a plus-size woman, which should be reflected in the casting.
2. Beverly, vaguely 40-ish, any ethnicity but with a lean toward African-American. She is the mother-hen to her work friends, and is older that Danielle in temperament, if not actual age. Also plays Stephanie, a high-school girl, an Imam, and a Passenger
3. Victor, vaguely late 20s-ish, any ethnicity but with a lean toward API or Latino. He thinks with his mouth, lacking much of a filter; he is younger than Danielle in temperament, if not in actual age. Also plays a high school Teacher, a Flight Attendant, and a Passenger
4. A female-identifying actor of any age or ethnicity to play multiple roles:
a. Maryanne, a corporate executive
b. Danielle’s Mom
c. Barista DeeDee, a single mom
d. Courtney, a high school girl
e. Betty, an aging beauty who’s led a hard life
f. A Rabbi
g. An Airport Barista
h. A Passenger
5. A male-identifying actor of any age or ethnicity to play multiple roles:
a. Ed, a corporate executive
b. Danielle’s Dad
c. Jimmy, a quiet older office worker
d. James Richter, a kindly artist
e. Paul, a nice vanilla guy, living a nice vanilla life
f. A Priest
g. Nick, a criminal
There is also one pre-recorded or offstage voice in the final scene.
