Arnold And Shirley

Synopsis:

Having fled Hitler’s Germany, the famed father of atonal music, Arnold Schoenberg, finds himself living in Hollywood, up the road from Shirley Temple.

Happening upon her at her pie stall on the street, they strike up a relationship of sorts.

Schoenberg sees himself as an exponent of ‘high art’ shunning popularity in his efforts to be faithful to that ideal.  Initially, therefore, he is rather contemptuous of Shirley’s low-brow efforts but, as she intrudes further into his life, he begins to reconsider.

Based on a real encounter, this charming piece of speculative history gives us a new window of insight into two historical figures who have been largely left behind in the sweep of history.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a 2-hander:  1 female, 1 male
SHIRLEY TEMPLE  8
ARNOLD SCHOENBERG 62

Running-time:  100 minutes

Production History:  Not yet produced

Excerpt available for download for free.