Synopsis
Mr. Jenks revisits his high-school alma mater as a substitute teacher for a class of highly gifted students. Discovering the passage of time hasn't erased his own painful experiences as a bully, he now faces a class of kids whose lives and experiences all too closely resemble those of the very students he taunted. Zach, Maggie, Jake, Janie, Jamie and James all struggle in their own way with their gift of intellect and the impact it has on their social standing in life and school. Their stories of being bullied quickly take Mr. Jenks back to a time of much shame and pain. He must face his feelings while helping the students understand the senselessness of bullying, and he will deliver news to the students that will force them to see life in a whole new way. Gifted moves at a fast clip, revealing the day-to-day drama and humor these kids live. It's a story of love, respect, devotion, extreme forgiveness and embracing one's own gift.
Notes
Livestream and Record & Stream Rights Available
Alternate dialogue to update reference from Brad and Angelina to Justin Bieber begins at the end of page 25, pick up on MAGGIE’s line:
MAGGIE. … I can pick up a Teen Vogue magazine and soak up some of the inane. I can read about the Beebs and take it for what it’s worth without dissecting it, analyzing it, without any more effort than just reading the words on the page.
ZACH. What’s a Beebs?
MR. JENKS. Seriously?
(CLASS is silent for a moment, and in unison all heads turn to JAMES.)
JAMES (rolls eyes, stands). Justin Drew Bieber, born March 1st 1994 in London, Ontario, Canada, is a world-famous singer discovered at the young age of 13 through an immense popularity he achieved through YouTube videos. Listed several times by Forbes magazine as one of the most powerful celebrities, he also became the first artist to surpass 10 billion total video views. Astonishing considering the world population currently stands at a little more than 7 billion people. (He sits and quickly stands again.) While not all of the 7 billion people in the world are fans, the Beebs has amassed an army of fans known as Beliebers. (Sits.)
Two additional lines can be deleted on page 26:
JANIE. I think Angelina’s lips are too big.
JAMIE. That's why all the guys like her.
Michael Colucci, Artistic Director, Redtwist Theatre, Chicago.