CHARM

by Philip Dawkins

Charm depicts the colorful inner workings of an etiquette class taught by Mama Darleena Andrews, an African-American transgender woman, in an LGBTQ organization known as The Center. Despite her students' daily battles with identity, poverty and prejudice, Mama's powerful love and unapologetic attitude ultimately help her pupils find a new way to respect each other and to redefine what "having charm" means...

Charm depicts the colorful inner workings of an etiquette class taught by Mama Darleena Andrews, an African-American transgender woman, in an LGBTQ organization known as The Center. Despite her students' daily battles with identity, poverty and prejudice, Mama's powerful love and unapologetic attitude ultimately help her pupils find a new way to respect each other and to redefine what "having charm" means.
Inspired by the true story of Miss Gloria Allen and her work at Center on Halsted, this new play carries a message of dignity and inclusion to all those it touches.

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CHARM

Recommended by

  • Cassandra Rose: CHARM by Philip Dawkins
    “

    I saw this play at Northlight in 2015 and immediately fell in love with this ensemble of characters. This is where the bar is set, friends. This is a play with heart AND grit. This play isn't afraid to let its characters be messy, confused, or unpolished. Just like in real life, none of these characters have all the answers. And yet they're all still willing to become better people, together. More plays like this please.

    I saw this play at Northlight in 2015 and immediately fell in love with this ensemble of characters. This is where the bar is set, friends. This is a play with heart AND grit. This play isn't afraid to let its characters be messy, confused, or unpolished. Just like in real life, none of these characters have all the answers. And yet they're all still willing to become better people, together. More plays like this please.

    ”
  • Asher Wyndham: CHARM by Philip Dawkins
    “

    I saw a production of this play at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis in 2016. This is the only play that I can think of that brings to the stage Queer and trans homeless teens. I was moved by each character's development from self-harm to charm. There's some shocking cruelty and surprising intimacy and tenderness in this play. Dawkins' play deserves many productions -- including one in your community -- because it could foster conversation and bring awareness to many issues surrounding Queer teenagers.

    I saw a production of this play at Mixed Blood in Minneapolis in 2016. This is the only play that I can think of that brings to the stage Queer and trans homeless teens. I was moved by each character's development from self-harm to charm. There's some shocking cruelty and surprising intimacy and tenderness in this play. Dawkins' play deserves many productions -- including one in your community -- because it could foster conversation and bring awareness to many issues surrounding Queer teenagers.

    ”

Development History

  • Commission, Northlight Theatre, 2012

Production History

  • Professional, Celebration Theater, 2017
  • Professional, MCC , 2017
  • Professional, Mixed Blood Theater, 2016
  • Professional, Mosaic Theater, 2016
  • Professional, Northlight Theatre, 2015