The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild

Performances

April 21-22, 27-29 & May 4-6, 1978

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Synopsis

In the tiny living quarters behind the Greenwich Village candy store (which she operates with her husband), crowded with her forty-year collection of movie magazines, Mildred Wild has virtually escaped from reality into the dream world conjured up by the 3,000 movies she has eagerly devoured. When the outside world does intrude via her husband, his meddling sister, their hard-boiled landlady, the mincing butcher from next door, or the foreman of the wrecking crew sent to tear down the building, Mildred meets each crisis with a hilarious, fantasy scene drawn from her precious lode of old movies. Mildred’s life is further complicated by such unlikely visitors as a bulldozer, a nun, King Kong, and a super efficient TV camera crew, all adding to the merriment and, ultimately, to the poignancy which infuses the play and the touching, funny escapades of its kooky, lovable, and totally enchanting heroine.

Author: Paul Zindel

Historian’s Corner

“The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild” was well-received by the reviewer and the public. The reviewer encouraged patrons to go and see this fun, almost fantasy, daydream play about old movies. However, a letter to the editor complained about the show and what was perceived as a lack of plot and good taste. The show had the second highest profit for plays of the season. At the end of the season party, it was announced that Players would perform five shows for the 1978-1979 Season. This would be the first time since the 1963-1964 season that Community Players would present five shows, including two musicals.