Cabbage to Caviar
Two Act Comedy - 3m/3w (expandable to 4m/5w) - Single Set
Based on Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (The Would-Be Gentleman) by Moliere.
Synopsis
Hugh wins the Lottery. He wants to be rid of his country roots and turn himself into a sophisticated gentleman: he changes his looks, his wardrobe, wants to know all about art, philosophy, food, etc. All he ends up doing is show what a complete idiot he is.
His sister Aggie, who runs a diner down town is disgusted by her brother's upscale behaviour. She knows that everyone laughs at him and that people take advantage of him. In fact, the man Hugh declares as his new best friend, Doug Malamy, is continually borrowing money.
But there is another reason why Hugh needs Doug. Doug has been wooing a socialite on his behalf. And today is the day the socialite is coming to meet Hugh face to face. Of course, the socialite thinks Doug has been wooing her and knows nothing about the affections of Hugh.
Additionally, Hugh and Aggie's younger cousin Lucy wants to marry. Her old-fashioned boyfriend appears to ask Hugh for Lucy's hand in marriage. But Hugh refuses because he wants Lucy to marry a sophisticated gentleman.
Chaos ensues as Aggie, Carter and Lucy try to change Hugh's mind, Doug tries to introduce the socialite Wynter to Hugh, without letting Hugh know he's the one dating her, and Hugh pulls out all the stops in presenting himself as a man about town.
Characters
- Hugh Chapman
Has just won 20 million dollars. Gullible, naive, unhappy with country life. - Aggie Chapman
Hugh's older sister. Dealing with Hugh gives her blood pressure problems. - Doug Malamy
Real Estate agent. Pretends to be Hugh's best friend. - Lucy Chapman
Hugh and Aggie's cousin. Idealistic and romantic. - Carter Orton
Dating Lucy. A fine young man with a nervous condition. - Wynter Basso
A snob socialite. - The Tailor
- The Arts Advisor
- The Yogi
Setting
A room in Hugh Chapman's fancy new home. It is filled with ugly, expensive things.
Download a PDF of full script