Here's to California!
a full-length play
by Stephen A. Schrum
© 1984, 2004


ABOUT THE PLAY

I wrote Here's to California! in 1984, prior to actually moving to California for my Ph.D. work. As a result, some of the material is based more on media dealing with the Golden State rather than my personal experiences. However, some of my later experiences confirmed a few of my earlier notions; for example, a driving trip to DisneyLand proved true Ernie's comment about the traffic. (This was probably my first experience watching someone in a convertible Mercedes putting on makeup and driving at a speed I deemed excessive.)

As I recall, there is an annotated, glossed version around somewhere (which would lend itself nicely to hypertext). I'll look for that in my spare time. Perhaps the reader can figure out those clever jokes (like the triple meaning of Ernie's last name). Only my OSU friends will figure out on whom I based Duncan Wasserman (who may sue me if he finds out, so I'll keep it quiet, and claim it's an hommage--which it is).

In the meantime, I dedicate this to Mindy Higgins (nee Gulden) who is the Celia of the play. She and I had some kind of odd psychic link while in college together, and it often caused consternation for one of us when the other was in an agitated or emotional state. If you believe in reincarnation, it's likely she and I have been close before in previous lives.


OBTAINING RIGHTS FOR PRODUCTION

For anyone interested in producing the play: I am less interested in royalties than having my work produced, so contact me about obtaining the rights and permission.


READ THE PLAY

There is a downloadable .pdf file available; or you may read the play in your browser in four sections: