Appliance

Two Act Comedy - 2w/1m - Single Set

Love, relationships, and the importance of appliances.

"Appliance deserves attention... Appliance is a production that begs to be extended."
— Colorado Backstage [full review]

Synopsis

Ruth is a fighter. She refuses to be maudlin when her breast cancer returns. She's determined to keep her sense of humour, her spirits up, and to live her life as normally as possible.

Her mother, Naomi, has a lot trouble talking to Ruth about the situation; she expresses herself through cabbage rolls, electric toasters and letters to Ruth's ex-husband.

Ruth's best friend Simon is beside her all the way, until Ruth decides to change the rules. Simon likes rules; he feels rules are the only thing keeping Ruth alive.

Ruth doesn't have time to listen to Simon. She departs for parts unknown, searching for an unconventional cure. This leaves Naomi and Simon to warily circle each other. They have nothing in common, expect for a deep love for Ruth. Is that enough?

Characters

Ruth Boyle (late thirties, early forties)
A divorced travel writer with an aversion to technology.
Naomi Boyle (late fifties, early sixties)
Ruth's mother. A widow just finding out her true self.
Simon MacRae (early thirties, mid thirties)
Ruth's best friend. Blind and gay. Neither faze him.

Setting

The entire play takes place in Ruth's apartment. The space is eclectic - many items that reflect a well-travelled and far-travelled person. But it's also very cluttered. There are at least three dead plants.

History

Productions:

And Toto Too Theatre Company, Denver, CO

Workshops:

Famous Door Theatre, Chicago; Theatre BC, Victoria

Readings:

Script Lab, Toronto

Awards:

10th Annual National Playwriting Competition, First Prize
Jane Chambers Playwriting Award, Honorable Mention
Uni Theatre Playwriting Competition, Finalist
Writers Digest, Honorable Mention

Publications:

Dandelion Magazine (excerpt)
The Best Men's Stage Monologues 1999 (Smith & Kraus)
The Best Women's Stage Monologues 1999 (Smith & Kraus)

Read this Play

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