About the Play:

The Cop and the Anthem is a one-act comedy adapted for the stage by Marc Bucci, based on the critically-acclaimed O. Henry short story of the same name. The Cop and the Anthem includes several of the classic elements of an O. Henry story, including a setting in New York and an empathetic look at the state of mind of a homeless man, and an ironic ending. Especially recommended for school and contest use.

The Cop and the Anthem is set in the early 1900s. O. Henry's wit and surprise are brightly displayed in this unexpected comedy about a man who is having an unusual problem with the law – he can't get himself arrested! Each year when winter starts, Lemuel T. Thwackbusher, a resident of New York's park benches, works up a scheme to be sent for three months to his favourite winter resort – the local prison. However, this year, no matter what he tries, it just won't work! Lemuel commits a series of humorous misdemeanours and then pleads in the name of law and order that he should be arrested. It's no use. The Cop and the Anthem ends with the sort of surprise for which O. Henry is famous.

The Cop and the Anthem is an ideal choice for high school drama contests and one-act festivals.

Cast: 8 women, 5 men

What people say:

"This is a perfect show to spotlight the talents of a single male actor who can handle physical comedy. Easy to produce and stage." — Marnie Herzfeld, Conestoga High School

"A script that allows many actors to create clever and amusing characters. One strong actor can hold together this whole cast of stock characters in what might be considered a morality play." — Susan Kahn, Norwell High School

"A challenging show that combines the poignant with the silly, the touching with the melodramatic." — John Henningsgaard, La Porte School

About the Playwright:

Marc Bucci (1924-2002) was an American composer, lyricist, and dramatist. The New York City native was a Julliard graduate and the first recipient of the Irving Berlin Scholarship endowed by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1948. He orchestrated for all media, composed film and TV scores, and published several plays.