Story-Critical Props
THE Jukebox:
Central magical prop; glows, hums, plays unplugged; activated by Star; internal valves pulled by Jason in Scene 16.
The Plan would be to have all of the sound effects the juke box makes to come from the jukebox itself and have light effects to match.
The Heart Of the Jukebox Removed to Kill the Jukebox and Banish Star.
Dad’s Retro Radio:
Sits on top of the jukebox in the Prologue; launched offstage by Star in Scene 3; found on the bypass road and brought back by Tucker in Scene 18.
The Radio, is remote controlled and Plays the radion broadcast during the Prologue, it also has lights to indicate it is has a life of its own.
Douglas’s Coffee Machine:
The original, restored coffee machine that was once part of Flo’s dad’s band equipment. It sits on the counter, appearing as an impossible miracle in Act I Scene 3: It is a shocking reveal cued by Nancy’s line (“Oh… My… God… You’ve gone and started her Dad’s Coffee…”), confirming Star’s use of past-altering magic Scene 18: A key focus as the town works to fix up the diner, replacing the supernatural “easy magic” with human effort.
- Plunger & Briefcase: Held by Flo when emerging dazed from interviewing the new staff in Scene 7.
- Contract & Pen: Presented by Investor 2 to Flo and signed on the counter during Scene 19.
- Shotgun: SPOKEN REFERENCE ONLY (No physical prop needed). Referenced by Flo in Scene 12 to intimidate Mr. Sturges.
- Order Notepad & Pen: Used constantly by Flo and the waitstaff to take customer orders.
- Dish Cloth / Rag: Used by Flo for obsessively wiping down the counter.
- Leak Props (Buckets, Bowl, Napkins, Tarp): Used by staff and customers during the roof leak sequence in “Mr. Blue Sky” (Scene 5).
- Portable CB Radio: Used by Tucker in Scene 18 to call fellow truckers to box in the bulldozers.
“Help Wanted” Sign & Marker:
Handwritten sign reading “HELP WANTED APPLY WITHIN”, created by Flo and hung over the door by Star in Scene 6.
The sign should allready be made up and Star/Flo act making it, this is becasue this scene is fast paced.
Cleanup Tools (Brooms, Paint Tins, Toolboxes):
Brought in by regulars and staff to restore the diner during “We Built This City” (Scene 18).
Diner & Food Service Props
- Coffee Mugs & Coffee Pot: Poured by Star and Flo; used by Nancy, Peter, and regulars.
- Plates, Cutlery & Serving Trays: Used by staff (Leo, Lacy, Jason, Jasmine) for running food orders.
- Prop Pancakes: Thrown by kids across the stage, hitting Regular 4 in the face in Scene 5.
- Menus: Held by customers in booths and tables.
- Counter Service Bell: Rung aggressively by Flo (“DING DING”) while calling out order numbers in Scene 8.
Character & Costume Props
- Mobile Phone: Used by Brian Sturges (rings during his confrontation with Flo in Scene 12).
- Handbags, Umbrellas & Walking Sticks: Carried by the 5 elderly women at the bus stop during “Rumour Has It” (Scene 10).
- Vintage Film Camera & Maps: Carried by the Tourist in the bright rain jacket in Scene 4.
- TV News Equipment (Camera, Mic, Lights): Used by the Channel 9 Reporter and Camera Person in Scene 11.
- Headphones: Worn by Flo while polishing glasses in Scene 14.
Set Dressing & Atmospheric Props
- Candles in Mismatched Holders: Set on a booth table for the “date night” talk with Sturges in Scene 12.
- Tablecloths & Chair Cushions: Used by Flo to make a temporary bed in a booth when sleeping overnight in Scene 17.
- Condiment Caddies: Rearranged by Star on the tables.
