Summary Of The Play 'Board Comedy'

LOOKALIKES presents as a board comedy. The goal is clear and the stakes are high. The script offers a cast of unconventional impersonators. There are solid themes about learning to be one’s self and to stop hiding behind the people they impersonate. Early in the script, the moral question is posed: why would you want to be anyone other than yourself.

While there are definite strengths to the storytelling, the script would benefit from more development.

First, there’s an identified three-act structure. The first act sets up the ordinary world of Jimmy. It’s well established that he’s in financial trouble. What works well is his dislike of impersonators. This gives him some nice contradiction.

The inciting event is when he’s offered money to bring his show to the Middle East. The story is propelled forward when they
This is especially true for the terrorists and the US Embassy workers/agents. It’s challenging to take a story seriously when they are more interested in Tacos than a plot of terrorism. It’s also challenging to generate a lot of tension when the terrorists act so juvenile.

Jimmy is likable and one definitely roots for him. He undergoes a solid character arc when he realizes why he hasn’t been able to commit (page 79). His inner conflict is about his father. However, there’s room to make Jimmy more realistic and charming. Consider making him less child-like and instead make him more cynical. Also, make the connection that Jimmy has been “impersonating” a fake life (psychologically). He needs to verbalize this to Ellen and he has to learn to also be himself.

Ellen is very likable. Her dialogue conveys some nice insight and she learns to be herself. However, the chemistry between Ellen and Jimmy should be elevated. Convince the audience that they are in love and that they belong together. One does like their story about Sturgis and one can feel their bond in that