Get Smart

by Christopher Sergel (Adaptor), Mel Brooks

Book by Buck Henry Mel Brooks

Genres: Plays, Humor

78 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1967

About the author

Christopher Sergel's interests and talents led him on many adventures throughout the world. As captain of the schooner Chance, he spent two years in the South Pacific; as a writer for Sports Afield magazine, he lived in the African bush for a year; as a lieutenant commander during WWII, he taught celestial navigation; as a playwright, his adaptation of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio was seen on Broadway. But throughout his life, his greatest adventure and deepest love was his work with Dramatic Publishing. During this time, he wrote adaptations of To Kill a Mockingbird, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Mouse That Roared, Up the Down Staircase, Fame, Black Elk Speaks and many more. His love of theatre and his caring for writers made him a generous and spirited mentor to many playwrights here and around the world. His inspiration and integrity attracted to the company fine writers including C.P. Taylor, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Arthur Miller, Roald Dahl and E.B. White - to name just a few. He once said he hoped to be remembered as E.B. White described Charlotte…
"…a true friend and a good writer."

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stage adaptation of the old TV show, this spoof relies on pretty clean humor, making it a family-friendly show that parodies the spy genre through the bumbling antics of Maxwell Smart and the other agents of CONTROL.

This is a show that I'm considering directing at the High School, and rather fond of. The only problematic element, so to speak, involves the 3 "Chinese waitresses" who seem written in a fashion that hits on old stereotyping of the time period (and also the spy genre, honestly).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

10m, 17w. Too silly for a full production; too much tech for a readers theater, although it could be done. Lots of ethnic cliches -- Nordic blonde princess, 3 Chinese girls all named Wong and a gorgeous Russian professor. Requires dark stage for some Act II action.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a stage adaptation based on the series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, and was the show I was supposed to be in. For those not familiar with the television series, the story lines revolve around secret agent Maxwell Smart, who tends to be more lucky than smart. Smart and Agent 99 work for Control, which always has to attempt to thwart the evil of KAOS. Those familiar with the series will see a lot of the classic lines and moments in this stage adaptation, and the script does an excellent job capturing the spirit of this hilarious series.

[Mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stage play is just as nonsensical as the beloved television show. It has everything you want from an episode of Get Smart, and then some.

The plot involves the kid napping of a renowned scientist, and Maxwell and 99's attempts to save him. It's silly and goofy and I love it.

[Chalise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fun... I laughed out loud several times. I am excited to see it on stage.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My high school did this play and I was Agent 99! I loved it!