BANANA PALM is a single-set, two-act comedy for the stage about modern love, family dynamics, and one very old cat.
Stacey and Marcus are headed to dinner at daughter Alex's new apartment. Awaiting them are Alex's roommate Chloe, who plans a big surprise; neighbor Gerry, who may or may not be concussed; Marcus' tech bro boss Kyle, who has shown up uninvited to win back ex Alex; and Alex herself, who recently came out...to one of her parents but not the other.
Over the course of an eventful evening, secrets will be revealed, alliances will shift, a cell phone will meet its demise, and a plant will fly...twice. In the midst of familial conflict, can love bridge the chasm between generations, genders, and baseball rivalries? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.
Keywords: comedy, farce, family comedy, modern love, modern romance, cat, single set, LGBT, small cast
OFFICIAL SELECTION, 2025 Oxford Script Awards
Genre: Comedy, Absurdist/Farce
Acts: 2
Run time: 85 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Content notes: BANANA PALM centers on a same-sex couple, one of whom describes personal difficulties coming out as LGBT. The play contains some emotional adult themes, but is at its heart a comedy. The few swear words can be replaced with potentially less-offensive language.
Cast size: 7 actors
Male roles: 3
Female roles: 4
Other roles: 3
Casting Notes: BANANA PALM features female main characters with supporting male roles, as well as three offstage voices: two BYSTANDERs and a subway announcer. To limit cast size, the BYSTANDER and MBTA ANNOUNCER dialogue can be recorded and played as sound cues.