About the Play:

A Gap in Generations is a full-length comedy by Jerry Blunt. A broad, exuberant, farcical comedy for all ages complete with mistaken identities, magic potions, and young lovers running amok; all in the style of commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational comedy that began in Italy in the 1500s and spread throughout Europe! Especially recommended for school and contest use.

A Gap in Generations, which takes place in 1550 in Bologna, Italy, focuses on a troupe of strolling players, called The Affamati (The Hungry Ones). The group transforms itself into a number of characters types that could have strayed from any of Shakespeare's classic tales and presents its latest scenario. This madcap frolic looks at the differences and similarities between the old and young – the generation gap – and does it in true, 16th-century Italian commedia dell'arte fashion with stylized costumes and masks. The consequences are both amusing and provocative, as the old and young men compete for the love of the same young women and when the young men win, they assume their father's responsibilities while the fathers assume their son's irresponsibilities. A Gap in Generations is a fast physical comedy with a cast of servants, miserly masters, young lovers, and know it all intellectuals as wacky and eccentric as one can imagine. Love is in the air and laughter is never far behind!

Cast: 5 female, 9 male (flexible casting 14 people, but the Affamati Company can be expanded for atmosphere) plus extras as desired (servants, guests at the ball, townspeople)

A Gap in Generations was created by a Master Teacher and his students (the Affamati Company). It has not only delighted other colleges and high schools but, when invited to open the American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C., it brought raves from the professional critics as well.

What people say:

"Life, vital and original, came last night to Ford's Theatre ... We discover a square in old Bologna peopled by types that could have strayed in from The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, or Volpone." — Washington Post

"It's packed with belly laughs and high humor." — Washington Star

About the Playwright:

Jerry Blunt (1907-1992) helped found the drama department at Los Angeles City College (LACC). A former chairman of the drama department, he was a popular teacher for 42 years. His students have won Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prizes.