It Can't Happen Here

by Tony Taccone, Bennett S. Cohen, Sinclair Lewis (Source Material)

From the back Sinclair Lewis' eerily prescient 1935 novel gets a fresh update in this stage adaptation that examines what brings citizenry to the point of sacrificing its own freedom and how a courageous few can prevail to overcome the fall. A cautionary dark satire about the fragility of democracy and how fascism can take hold even in the 'land of liberty,' the plot follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes President of the United States by promising to return the country to greatness. Witnessing the new President's tyranny from the sidelines is a liberal, middle-class newspaper editor from Vermont who trusts the system will fix itself - until he ends up in a prison camp. Flexible staging and casting - even with some audience participation - help make IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE a remarkable theatrical event.

Genres: Plays

104 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Ed Erwin]

I'm "read" this as an audio production from Berkeley Repertory Theater starring David Strathairn. Available online until Nov 8.

https://www.playbill.com/article/davi...

Since this adaptation was for a play, it consists mostly of dialog and is much shorter than the original novel. That's fine. I think it works well this way.

In the beginning, it is very eerie how closely it resembles modern politics. As things go further downhill in the story, it becomes less plausible to me. I can't see us going into national martial law and building concentration camps for political dissenters. At least I can't see that happening as quickly as it does in this story. But maybe I'm naive?

[Katrina Ishioka]

I think that this play really does some cool things to engage the audience members and kind of alarm them with how easy it is to get caught up in the charisma of fascist leader (especially with the forced applause and direct crowdwork)

[Juliette II]

Unfortunately this will always be a timely and critical piece, but right now it is so poignant that it gives the reader a disconcerted feeling of an actual scenario in a life-or-death choose your own adventure game. Couldn’t put it down, will see it or stage it at first opportunity.

For those considering mounting the play:
- no set, scenes must change rapidly
- some requirements for significant pieces, such as a printing press and large old time radio
- suggests a 10 m / 4 w cast - flexible casting
- there are diversity opportunities here, I definitely see the role of Lorinda portrayed most powerfully by a black actor and I would challenge a company to cast the Jessup family black or mixed-race

[Pat]

The play hits so many nerves, it’s uncanny and hard to believe the original was written in 1935. To call it prescient doesn’t do it justice. Some theatre/producer should stage this right away (2025). It may suffer, however, from what the play excoriates — censorship. That Sinclair Lewis - he read the tea leaves like nobody else.

[Emilie Parry]

I really liked this play, and I want to read the original book. Highly recommend, especially during these times with the rise of fascism and nationalism in the US and abroad. It can, indeed, happen here.

[Jolie]

Genuinely cannot think of a work that is more timely than this. Read the play for my theatre and social change class, now I am itching to read the original book. Very interesting to learn about the making of this book/play as well

[Nina]

Very intense. A terrifying portrait of what could, indeed, happen here, if we are not vigilant.

[Jenn]

Terrifying.

[LeAndra Pund]

without a doubt, this is the BEST play I have ever read.

[Alyse Raven]

this is a little too familiar 🤨

[Stephen R T]

A ‘must” read.