SONS & LOVERS

by Donna Hoke

Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play

"Hoke's words shine and...

Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play

"Hoke's words shine and sparkle."__Buffalo Theatre Guide

https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/09/sons-lovers-entertains-sold-out-h…

https://artvoice.com/2017/09/26/review-anthony-chase-donna-hokes-sons-l…

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SONS & LOVERS

Recommended by

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: SONS & LOVERS by Donna Hoke
    “

    The parallel situation between mother and son speaks volumes about what is often unspoken in families. The play culminates in a stunning scene when all secrets are laid bare, and the playwright adroitly handles the emotional devastation that results. Fine characters, innovative storytelling, a sterling work.

    The parallel situation between mother and son speaks volumes about what is often unspoken in families. The play culminates in a stunning scene when all secrets are laid bare, and the playwright adroitly handles the emotional devastation that results. Fine characters, innovative storytelling, a sterling work.

    ”
  • David Beardsley: SONS & LOVERS by Donna Hoke
    “

    I enjoyed reading this play. The dialogue is funny and does a subtle job of communicating the underlying emotional state of characters without being "on the nose."

    I enjoyed reading this play. The dialogue is funny and does a subtle job of communicating the underlying emotional state of characters without being "on the nose."

    ”
  • Quinn Xavier Hernandez: SONS & LOVERS by Donna Hoke
    “

    Donna Hoke delivers a quick-paced and truthful comedy about communication, honesty, love, and loss. With its charming characters, clear message, and simplicity, SONS AND LOVERS is just the right amount of witty, sappy, and heartbreaking to put a smile on your face. #PlaywrightPlug

    Donna Hoke delivers a quick-paced and truthful comedy about communication, honesty, love, and loss. With its charming characters, clear message, and simplicity, SONS AND LOVERS is just the right amount of witty, sappy, and heartbreaking to put a smile on your face. #PlaywrightPlug

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Marq/Pierre/Giancarlo are triple cast.
Butch/Waiter/Trevi Dude are triple cast.
  • Marq
    Bill's boyfriend who should clearly look older than Bill
    early to mid-30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Butch
    Ellen’s husband, a good-looking, lean, 54-year-old, the kind who appeals to younger women; airplane mechanic
    54
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Giancarlo
    Super hot waiter, Italian with a real Italian accent, not a stereotype
    30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Pierre
    Super hot hairdresser/makeup artist; French with a real French accent, not a stereotype of either a Frenchman or a gay hairdresser
    30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Waiter
    Cliched bad French accent, stereotypically French
    40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Trevi Dude
    Cliched bad Italian accent, stereotypically Italian
    40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ellen
    A real woman catching up with the world; she is not a model-thin type
    49
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Bill
    Totally out but for a conversation with his mom
    24
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Island City Stage, 2017
  • Reading, Buffalo United Artists , 2016

Production History

  • Professional, Evolution Theatre, 2021
  • Professional, Buffalo United Artists, 2017

Awards

  • Emanuel Fried Award for Oustanding New Play
    Artie Awards
    Winner
    2018
  • IATI Theater Contest
    IATI Theater
    Semi-Finalist
    2016
  • Great Gay Play and Musical Contest
    Pride Films and Plays
    Finalist
    2016