The Whole Shebang

The Whole Shebang by Rich Orloff

(9)
Productions (303)
Comedy
|
45 - 50 minutes
1 W, 1 M, 4 Any (6 actors possible: 2-4 W, 2-4 M)
Content Notes: Mild adult language and content
Set: A classroom

This play asks the question, "What if the entire universe was just some nerd's science project?" In a classroom in a dimension far beyond ours, a student striving for a "Master of the Universe" degree gives an oral presentation on an unusual thesis -- the creation of the heavens and the earth. Two professors and a dean interrogate the student and his two visual aids, a "typical" man and woman. (This play can also be performed as part of the full-length collection HA!)

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $55
Standard Edition $11.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $75

*The per performance fee begins at $55. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

This play asks the question, "What if the entire universe was just some nerd's science project?" In a classroom in a dimension far beyond ours, a student striving for a "Master of the Universe" degree gives an oral presentation on an unusual thesis -- the creation of the heavens and the earth. Two professors and a dean interrogate the student and his two visual aids, a "typical" man and woman. (This play can also be performed as part of the full-length collection HA!)

A five-character version of this play is available; contact Playscripts for details.

  • Comedy
  • |
  • 45 - 50 minutes
  • 1 W, 1 M, 4 Any (6 actors possible: 2-4 W, 2-4 M)
  • Content Notes: Mild adult language and content
  • Set: A classroom
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-146-1

Published Reviews

"Rich Orloff's charming and whimsical comedy about the creation of the universe delivers impish fun, along with a thoughtful and provocative message. Orloff brings a witty and engaging innocence to the excellent script."

Variety

"[A] delightful romp."

From the Birdsnest

"A hilarious exchange, with heartwarming tenderness and hope."

Theater Online

"The Whole Shebang's not-quite-irreverent one-liners keep audiences engaged."

The Rice Thresher

"Intense satire that had the audience rolling with laughter."

The Concordian (Athens, West Virginia)

"It's a witty, whimsical, charming one-act play."

New York Daily News

"A beguiling fantasy. A wry observation on the great questions of the universe. The show works."

Los Angeles Times

"Consistently witty."

Drama-Logue

Production History

MAR 18, 2025 - MAR 21, 2025
Lawton Chiles High School
Tallahassee, FL United States
Lawton Chiles High SchoolTallahassee, FL United States
DEC 06, 2024 - DEC 07, 2024
N/A
Bulyea, SK Canada
N/ABulyea, SK Canada
NOV 05, 2024 - NOV 15, 2024
Lawton Chiles High School
TALLAHASSEE, FL United States
Lawton Chiles High SchoolTALLAHASSEE, FL United States
SEP 20, 2024 - SEP 30, 2024
Bend United Methodist Church
Bend, OR United States
Bend United Methodist ChurchBend, OR United States
MAY 13, 2024 - MAY 14, 2024
Westmount Charter School
Calgary, AB Canada
Westmount Charter SchoolCalgary, AB Canada
APR 25, 2024 - APR 25, 2024
Batavia High School
Batavia, IL United States
Batavia High SchoolBatavia, IL United States
APR 22, 2024 - APR 26, 2024
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Edmonton, AB Canada
Archbishop MacDonald High SchoolEdmonton, AB Canada
MAR 22, 2024 - MAR 28, 2024
Douglas College
New Westminster, BC Canada
Douglas CollegeNew Westminster, BC Canada
FEB 28, 2024 - FEB 28, 2024
Columbia State Community College
Columbia, TN United States
Columbia State Community CollegeColumbia, TN United States
FEB 17, 2024 - FEB 17, 2024
Colgan High School
Fredricksburg, VA United States
Colgan High SchoolFredricksburg, VA United States
1 of 31
No upcoming productions.
JAN 01, 2004 - DEC 31, 2004
Renegade Theatre Company
Washington, DC United States
Renegade Theatre CompanyWashington, DC United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
MET Theatre
Hollywood, CA United States
MET TheatreHollywood, CA United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Western Stage
Salinas, CA United States
Western StageSalinas, CA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Black Box Theatre Ensemble
Boulder, CO United States
Black Box Theatre EnsembleBoulder, CO United States
JAN 01, 1998 - DEC 31, 1998
Vineyard Theatre
Martha's Vineyard, MA United States
Vineyard TheatreMartha's Vineyard, MA United States
JAN 01, 1995 - DEC 31, 1995
Shadowbox Cabaret
Columbus, OH United States
Shadowbox CabaretColumbus, OH United States
JAN 01, 1993 - DEC 31, 1993
General Motors Playwrights Theatre
,
General Motors Playwrights Theatre,
JAN 01, 1992 - DEC 31, 1992
Actors Theatre of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ United States
Actors Theatre of PhoenixPhoenix, AZ United States
JAN 01, 1991 - DEC 31, 1991
Theatre Forty
Beverly Hills, CA United States
Theatre FortyBeverly Hills, CA United States
JAN 01, 1989 - DEC 31, 1989
Little Theatre of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA United States
Little Theatre of AlexandriaAlexandria, VA United States
1 of 2

Awards (2)

Alexandria National One-Act Play Contest, 1988

Sears Ontario Drama Festival Award, 1994

Archival Video License

Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License to add to your order for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

This allows you to record one of your live performances for your internal archives only. This cannot be streamed.

For more information, please reach out to playscriptsinfo@broadwaylicensing.com