PACKER FANS FROM OUTER SPACE
BOOK & LYRICS BY FREDERICK HEIDE & LEE BECKER
MUSIC BY FREDERICK HEIDE
ADDITIONAL MUSIC BY JAMES KAPLAN
Can an idealistic 1950’s farmgirl stop an interplanetary war? And fall in love at the same time? The answer unfolds in this hilarious and touching musical, set against the NFL’s oldest rivalry, that takes seriously the idea of loving our enemy.
Observing flying saucers over rural Wisconsin, Peggy Kiester dreams of meeting aliens and becoming a scientist. But when her father announces that these space visitors are Galactic Packers who need him to win their war against the Space Bears, Peggy and her Mom start to doubt his sanity.
Inspired by actual UFO sightings over 1950’s rural Wisconsin, the show has been described as "pure theatrical comedy" that will "soften the heart of any die-hard cynic." (BroadwayWorld.com).
REVIEWS:
Pure theatrical comedy. A set of unforgettable characters in an almost unimaginable story. Will soften the heart of any die-hard cynic. No need to understand football or be a Packer fan to revel in every pun, turn of phrase and musical note and discover the underlying message of “make love, not war” and love your enemy. (Peggy Sue Dunigan, BroadwayWorld.com)
Packer Fans is an awesome show — even if one doesn’t give a fig about the Packers or football. A poignant coming-of-age tale wrapped around a tender love story. If our divided politicians really want to inaugurate a new era of good feeling, they should also arrange a group outing to Packer Fans From Outer Space.
With a title like Packer Fans from Outer Space, it would be logical to expect an evening of frivolous fun, much like watching Saturday morning cartoons. Who would think that a play like this would feature an important message and a tender love story between awfully different young people? This play is not all about laughs, even though they come frequently and easily. The audience is the clear winner. (Dave Begel, OnMilwaukee.com)
A musical comedy classic. There’s humor at practically every turn. I’ve seen this show a number of times and am more and more impressed by all the wit and warmth in it with each viewing. (Warren Gerds, WFRV-TV)
The years of work and development pay off in a show unlike anything you will see, though still possessing big heart. The conflict between family and a greater purpose is etched clearly. Clever, funny, and fantastic.
The opening number of Packer Fans from Outer Space.
CASTING
The show can be produced with 8 actors if needed, plus one keyboard player
LLOYD UPKINS, a local sports-radio personality (voice only). Can be voiced by 24, 39, or Coach.
HARVEY KIESTER, a faithful Packer fan and orchard owner. Age 40+
MARGE KIESTER, Harvey's wife, a Chicago Bears fan of Polish descent. Age 40+
PEGGY KIESTER, their daughter, a smart, idealistic young scientist. Age 18+
24, a Galactic Packer. Age 18+
39, another Galactic Packer. Age 18+
COACH, the high-powered leader of the Galactic Packers, takes his look and demeanor from Lombardi. Age 30+
THE SPHEROID, a talking football-shaped device. Any gender. Age 18+ Can be voiced by Keyboard player if needed.
SPACE BEARS, two fearsome, furry and fanged, football warrior creatures. Age 18+
MEN IN WHITE COATS, two bespectacled guys who work for the County Home (who can be played by the same actors as SPACE BEARS). Age 18+