The Underpants

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Theobald Maske has an unusual problem: his wife's underpants won't stay on. One Sunday morning they fall to her ankles right in the middle of town--a public scandal! Mortified, Theo swears to keep her at home until she can find some less unruly undies. Amid this chaos he's trying to rent a room in their flat. The prospective lodgers have some underlying surprises of their own. In The Underpants , Steve Martin brings his comic genius and sophisticated literary style to Carl Sternheim's classic 1910 farce. His hilarious new version was staged by Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, and opened in March '02 on Off-Broadway to critical acclaim.

152 pages, Paperback

First published November 20,2002

About the author

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Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician, and composer. He was raised in Southern California in a Baptist family, where his early influences were working at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm and working magic and comedy acts at these and other smaller venues in the area. His ascent to fame picked up when he became a writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, and later became a frequent guest on the Tonight Show.

In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before packed houses on national tours. In the 1980s, having branched away from stand-up comedy, he became a successful actor, playwright, and juggler, and eventually earned Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy awards.




Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 58 votes)
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58 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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Yay! Our next production!

We are all very excited about it. It's going to be something truly special. The planning has been underway for quite some time now. The team has been working hard to come up with unique and engaging ideas. We have high hopes for this production to not only entertain but also inspire our audience.

There are many aspects to consider, such as the script, the set design, the costumes, and the music. Each element plays a crucial role in bringing the whole production to life. We are determined to make every detail perfect. The actors are also very enthusiastic and have been preparing diligently. They are looking forward to showcasing their talents on stage and giving a memorable performance.

As the days pass by, we can feel the anticipation building up. We can't wait to see the final result and share it with the world. This production is going to be a labor of love, and we are confident that it will be a huge success.
July 14,2025
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Cute.

Easy & QUICK read because it's a play.

But leave it to Steve Martin to add the sexual innuendos!

(Then again, that's pretty much the premise of the whole play.)

This play is truly a charming piece. It offers a light and enjoyable reading experience due to its play format, which makes it accessible and engaging.

However, what sets it apart is Steve Martin's unique touch. He manages to incorporate sexual innuendos in a way that not only adds a bit of spice but also becomes an integral part of the play's premise.

It's interesting to see how he weaves these elements into the story, creating a balance between humor and a more adult theme.

Overall, it's a play that combines cuteness, ease of reading, and a touch of naughtiness, making it a memorable and entertaining piece.
July 14,2025
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Nope. I didn't like this one.


I'm a big Steve Martin fan, and I've found his other dramas to be quite engaging. However, for some reason, this particular one just didn't impress me. Maybe I'd need to see it performed live (as it is fitting for its genre) or might enjoy it at another stage in my life.


Still, I truly admire Mr. Martin for his continuous work. He has an exceptional range of talents that he cultivates and masters, which is truly remarkable. If he only produced what others would always approve of, that would be safe but ultimately quite boring.


So, _The Underpants_ didn't resonate with me. Nevertheless, I'll be actively seeking and reading more of Steve Martin's works. Who knows? Maybe I'll even come back to this one in the future and have a completely different perspective.

July 14,2025
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It's truly hilarious to observe how one tiny incident could cause such a huge uproar and stir up so much drama. You know, sometimes the simplest things can lead to the most unexpected and entertaining situations. It's like a domino effect, where one small action sets off a chain reaction of events that unfold in the most comical and absurd ways.


Maybe it's a miscommunication, a slight oversight, or just a random occurrence that catches everyone by surprise. But before you know it, what could have been a minor blip turns into a full-blown spectacle. People start taking sides, emotions run high, and the whole thing becomes a source of great amusement for onlookers.


It just goes to show that life is full of these little surprises that can add a touch of humor and excitement to our otherwise ordinary days. So, the next time you witness a seemingly insignificant incident that blows up into something much bigger, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Because you never know when the next hilarious drama will unfold right before your eyes.

July 14,2025
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Silly fun is a great source of entertainment. It offers a world filled with characters that would be an absolute delight to play.

These characters often have unique personalities and traits that make them stand out. They might be quirky, humorous, or even a little bit mischievous.

Playing with such characters allows us to let go of our inhibitions and embrace our inner child. We can immerse ourselves in their adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether it's through role-playing games, imaginative play, or simply watching a silly movie or TV show, these characters bring joy and laughter into our lives.

So, the next time you're looking for some lighthearted entertainment, consider exploring the world of silly fun and the wonderful characters that inhabit it. You're sure to have a great time!
July 14,2025
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I came across this on the recommendation of someone who had merely heard of it yet hadn't actually delved into it herself.

It seems to me that it is intended to be presented in a rather absurdist manner, with the actors and director fully aware of how strange the setup is.

Nonetheless, once you manage to get past the frenzied arrival of room renters and the free-roaming monarchy, you'll find yourself gleaning a valuable lesson from each character in the play.

You'll come to realize that not every single thing happening at this very moment is necessarily as significant as it might appear to be next week, next month, or perhaps even 98 years from now.

It makes you think about the relativity of events and how our perception of their importance can change over time.

This play has the power to make us step back and view the world from a different perspective, helping us to see that some things that seem huge in the present may pale in comparison to what lies ahead.

It's a thought-provoking piece that encourages us to look beyond the immediate and consider the bigger picture.
July 14,2025
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It was okay.

Perhaps it was even funnier when it was being performed.

You know, sometimes things that seem just average on paper can come alive and be truly hilarious when presented on stage or in some other form of performance.

The energy, the expressions, the actions of the performers can all add that extra touch of humor that makes it a completely different experience.

Maybe the writer had intended for it to be really funny, but it just didn't quite translate as well in the written form.

But when it's brought to life, with the right intonations, the perfect timing, and the appropriate body language, it can have the audience roaring with laughter.

So, while it might have been just okay as it was written, I can only imagine how much funnier it could have been in performance.
July 14,2025
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Hilarious!

Have you ever had a moment that was so funny it made you burst out laughing? Well, let me tell you about a recent incident that had me in stitches.

I was at a family gathering, and my little nephew was showing off his new dance moves. He had this hilarious combination of spins, jumps, and wiggles that had everyone in the room roaring with laughter.

As he continued to dance, he lost his balance and fell onto the sofa, which only made the situation even funnier. We were all doubled over with laughter, and my nephew, instead of getting upset, joined in on the laughter himself.

It was one of those moments that you just can't forget. The joy and laughter that filled the room were contagious, and it made me realize how important it is to have these lighthearted moments in life.

So, the next time you're feeling down or stressed, try to find something that makes you laugh. It could be a funny movie, a joke from a friend, or even a silly dance from a little one. Because laughter truly is the best medicine.

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