The Sparrow (2007 play)

This article is about the 2007 play. For the 1967 Alan Ayckbourn play, see The Sparrow (1967 play).

The Sparrow is a 2007 play written by Chris Mathews and Jake Minton.

Plot

Ten years ago, the second graders' bus crashed into a train at a crossing. Emily Book was the only survivor. She moved away and attended another school, and is now returning to Spring Farm High for her senior year. Emily has no living family, so Joyce McGuckin allows Emily to live in the McGuckin household. Joyce's daughter, Sarah, was one of the children killed in the bus crash.

Emily is initially nervous at school but she soon befriends the science teacher, Mr. Christopher. He introduces her to Jenny McGrath, class president and captain of the cheerleader squad. During gym class, the other students gang up on Emily and throw balls at her. Trying to defend herself, Emily briefly stops time with her mysterious powers. The powers go unnoticed and the gym teacher sends all the students to detention.

At the homecoming basketball game, the Spring Farm High Sparrows face off against their rivals, the Hornets. The Hornets' banner hangs over the gym due to their past victory over the Sparrows. At halftime, the cheerleaders enact a dangerous plan to throw Jenny to the ceiling so she can tear the Hornets' banner down. She gets stuck on the banner and Emily flies to her rescue, thus revealing her powers publicly. She is praised for her bravery, and becomes popular.

At the homecoming dance, Emily sees Mr. Christopher kissing Jenny. Out of jealousy, Emily attacks Jenny with her powers. Jenny later realizes that Emily could have caused the bus accident years ago, by magically pushing the bus onto the train tracks. The next day in class she publicly asks Emily if she caused the accident. Emily says nothing, and runs from the room.

Soon the entire town turns against Emily. Joyce asks Emily if she caused the accident, and Emily replies "I didn't mean to". Joyce blames her for the death of Sarah, and Emily runs away. When Jenny sees Mr. Christopher trying to smuggle Emily out of town, she shoots Christopher. After hearing the gunshot, the townspeople arrive, knowing Emily's secret. Emily uses her powers to remove the bullet and heal Mr. Christopher. Emily then flies away, never to be seen again.

Characters

Emily Book: She is the girl who caused the bus accident. She has unknown supernatural powers.
Jenny McGrath: Head Cheerleader; She has an affair with Mr.Christopher which eventually leads her to shoot him.
Dan Christopher: Science Teacher who has affairs with both Emily and Jenny. His wife was the bus driver who was driving the bus. He dies and comes back to life at the end.
Joyce McGuckin: Mother who takes Emily in as a host daughter. Joyce lost her own daughter at the accident and sees her in Emily.
Albert McGuckin: Husband of Joyce who is still grieving from the accident.
Charlie McGuckin: Son of Joyce and Albert who refuses to like Emily.
Principal Jim Skor:Principal of Spring Farm High School.
Sheriff Albert Rosenthal: Allows Emily to live with the McGuckins. He nearly arrests Emily at the end of the play.
Coach Gerald Adams: Gym Teacher and Basketball Coach.
The Driver: He is the only person outside the Book household to know Emily's powers. He wants her to tell the town what actually happened.

Reception

The play has received positive reviews. Time Out Chicago called it "probably [House Theater's] most aesthetically satisfying show to date." Edge said of the play: "it could very well make you rethink everything you know about theatrical productions".

External links

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