Star Message: A Play in 4 Scenes - Tapa blanda

STAR MESSAGE is an easy-to-produce, exciting science-fiction play with humor, suspense, and an interesting theory about peace and war. The routine at Meinerfeldt University, NorthCon (North Continent), Earth, is suddenly interrupted when an alien from an unknown planet lands in a scout ship. At the same time, a coded message from deep outer space reaches the University. None of the computers can decode the message, and officials are unable to communicate with the alien. Is he friendly or dangerous? Is the message about peace or war? Earth has been at peace for so long that its inhabitants are totally incapable of defending themselves from a space attack. But students are still students in the 25th century—they still hate to study, and they still get into trouble... constantly. Most of the trouble at this point stems from their contacts with the alien. While the university scientists are trying desperately to communicate with him, the students play games with him... often apparently undoing what the professors have accomplished. The teachers call the alien Ta-Carthian LIN, from an inscription on his spaceship. But the students nickname him Toddy. Another character that gets into the act is MUGGSY, the old-fashioned computer-robot who can remember Superman but can't play checkers. The play was premiered at Ferrum College in Virginia. The campus newspaper noted "the excitement and success of the evening" and called Toddy a "lovable and believable character" who "charms the audience with his naive manner." STAR MESSAGE is 40-50 minutes of fun, suspense, and a variety of interesting characters. It is suitable for high school, junior high, or college production, and it will entertain audiences ranging from small children to adults.