A Life Enriching Community by Philip Middleton Williams

Scripts and production rights are available through ArtAge Publications’ Senior Theatre Resource Center.

Ten-Minute: (2014) Paul and Adam settle into their new retirement community in South Florida and come to terms with the life that has brought them there.
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A Life Enriching Community

Recommended by

  • Jillian Blevins:
    15 Apr. 2024
    “ With a pitch-perfect balance of snark and sentiment, A LIFE ENRICHING COMMUNITY’s retirees pop off the page. It’s remarkable how naturally Middleton Williams is able to convey decades of romantic history in this brief interlude as the couple transitions into their shared life’s final chapter. This funny, tender 10-minute play would be an excellent showcase for two older actors and a welcome addition to any festival. ”
  • Robert J. LeBlanc:
    13 Apr. 2024
    “ I had the privilege of seeing this show as a part of More Real Life Stories festival in Newburyport, MA. The honesty in this show is profound, the love and understanding touching, and the message is clear. It's funny in all the right places with an underlying seriousness that adds a realism to the couple. This show does what all great 10-minutes do, it bring you in fast, holds you in rapt attention, and leaves you wanting for more. So well done. ”
  • Stephen Kaplan:
    19 Dec. 2020
    “ It's always so refreshing to see a relationship not commonly represented on stage - in the case here, an elderly gay couple. Williams shows us the deep contours of their rich life together in this short play. ”
View all 32 recommendations

Character Information

  • Adam
    60's,
    Gay male.
    Retired teacher.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Paul
    60's,
    Gay male.
    Retired businessman. Adam's partner.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Michelle
    30-35,
    Female.
    Retirement community associate. All smiles and perky.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    South Florida Theatre League
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    William Inge Theatre Festival New Play Lab
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Queer Shorts 2.1 - Queer Love, Bartell Theatre, Madison, Wisconsin
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    New Theatre
    ,
    2014

Awards

Finalist
,
City Theatre National Award for Short Playwriting Contest
,
City Theatre
,
2020