American Classic
A cunning husband fakes his death to elicit concern from his wife,
only to find himself entangled in a web of unintended consequences.
Most everyone knows old folks like Earl and Myrtle. Some young couples fit their description, too. You know, the kind of duo that’ve been together since the end of time. And man, are they sick of it. Whether it’s finances, lack of an independent streak or just plain habit which just won't die – they may talk a good game about leaving. But when it comes down to brass tacks, they never split.
But the bickering? That they’ll do... endlessly. After awhile, for them, it's a sport.
When Rick Garrison’s American Classic opens, Earl’s at the end of his (metaphorical) rope. He’s storming out the door of the couple’s ramshackle home. Based on its appearance, the house is much like their relationship. Sure, it's still standing, but little’s been done to spruce it up.
The screen door bursts open and out storms EARL WILLIBY, (50), unshaven, rustic (like the house), and fit to be tied.
EARL
You don’t know what I’m capable of,
Myrtle. I’m on the friggin’ edge here!
Myrtle stands at the doorway wearing an apron, with a mixing bowl in her hands. She placidly watches him go.
MYRTLE
Oh, Earl.
You’re such a drama queen.
She turns to head back into the kitchen but stops.
MYRTLE
Don’t forget to pick up some milk
on your way home.
Well, milk’s NOT on Earl’s agenda. Threatening to off himself, he roars off in his old Thunderbird.
But Myrtle’s heard Earl’s BS before, so she brushes off the ultimatums. That is, until she gets the call:
Out by the railroad tracks, Earl’s put a bullet through his head. Looks like their never ending fight’s finally done.
Or is it?
Myrtle collapses to the floor, wailing. Despite all that back and forth, she really DID love the old coot.
And codger Earl’s still very much alive and kicking. Across town, he hands cash to the homeless man who just impersonated an officer:
EARL
(pleased)
You did great.
He smiles to himself, hops in his car and speeds off.
That’ll teach Myrtle to appreciate what she’s got!! Right….?
Well, that’s just Step One in this comedy of errors. Because Earl’s bought a LOT more than he paid for with that dollar. As he and Myrtle are about to find out.
Directors with a knack for comedy – grab this one quick! American Classic is… well, a classic. Combining limited location with escalating humor everyone who’s been in a long term relationship can relate to, it’s sure to have audiences loving every minute of how this particular “lover’s spat” pans out!