The Best Worst That Can Happen

by Jean Koppen

Full-length: Joanna is worried about her mother's failing memory. Margie is concerned about her daughter's career and love life. In truth, both are terrified about how they will handle the worst that can happen - Margie contracting Alzheimer's Disease. When an unlikely new housemate enters their lives and his movie producer brother pays an unexpected visit, both Margie and Joanna discover the best that can...

Full-length: Joanna is worried about her mother's failing memory. Margie is concerned about her daughter's career and love life. In truth, both are terrified about how they will handle the worst that can happen - Margie contracting Alzheimer's Disease. When an unlikely new housemate enters their lives and his movie producer brother pays an unexpected visit, both Margie and Joanna discover the best that can happen in the worst situation. Four characters. Play and rights inquiry available via Next Stage Press https://www.nextstagepress.com/the-best-worst-that-can-happen/

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The Best Worst That Can Happen

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Best Worst That Can Happen by Jean Koppen
    “

    A moving look at a mother and daughter navigating Alzheimer's Disease. The love through it all is undeniable. Well done!

    A moving look at a mother and daughter navigating Alzheimer's Disease. The love through it all is undeniable. Well done!

    ”
  • Claudia Haas: The Best Worst That Can Happen by Jean Koppen
    “

    What a pleasure to find a play geared for actors in their forties and above. Relationships new and old are beautifully bound, and you wish the best for all - even when the cracks appear and widen. There is no “woe is me” in the difficult problem of dementia but a determination to cope and continue to love. Koppen manages to endow her characters with grit while keeping a light touch. The middle-aged sex scene is a welcome delight! Romance is not just for 20-somethings. The ending holds sweetness in the worst of times.

    What a pleasure to find a play geared for actors in their forties and above. Relationships new and old are beautifully bound, and you wish the best for all - even when the cracks appear and widen. There is no “woe is me” in the difficult problem of dementia but a determination to cope and continue to love. Koppen manages to endow her characters with grit while keeping a light touch. The middle-aged sex scene is a welcome delight! Romance is not just for 20-somethings. The ending holds sweetness in the worst of times.

    ”
  • Ann Timmons: The Best Worst That Can Happen by Jean Koppen
    “

    I love this play! It tackles tough subject matter with gentle understanding, generosity, and humor that springs effortlessly from incredibly well-realized relationships. Read it; you'll never forget Margie, Joanna, Paul, and Lewis.

    I love this play! It tackles tough subject matter with gentle understanding, generosity, and humor that springs effortlessly from incredibly well-realized relationships. Read it; you'll never forget Margie, Joanna, Paul, and Lewis.

    ”

Character Information

Additional voice only parts (which can be recorded and/or doubled with actors):
Exercise Instructor –female, unnaturally perky (could be recorded by JOANNA actor)
Priest – male, (could be recorded/doubled by LEWIS)
Congregation – a combination of non-distinct voices (could be recorded by cast)
  • Paul Holden
    50, former college professor now forensic lab technician, awkward
    50s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Lewis Holden
    Paul’s younger brother and Joanna’s former schoolmate, frenzied and superficial, Hollywood movie producer
    40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Joanna Wells
    romance novel writer by profession but a practical realist in her personal life, close but combative with mother, insecure about relationships with men
    40s/50s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Margie Wells
    Joanna’s mother, mid to late 70s but youthful, optimistic and fun-loving, showing early signs of dementia
    70s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Pipeline Playwrights, 2019
  • Reading, Kennedy Center Page to Stage Festival, 2015

Production History

  • University, COM Theatre, 2023
  • Community Theater, Aldersgate Church Community Theater, 2022