Back Cover

by Emily Hageman

ONE ACT PLAY (NEW FORTY-FIVE MINUTE VERSION): The unexpected divorce of Madison’s parents relocated her to New York City--a place that she has vowed to loathe. Through incredible coincidence, Madison finds a shoebox full of letters belonging to a young woman named Jessica. A connection is formed that will forever change the course of Madison’s life. Narrated by Madison’s older self, Back Cover is a story of...

ONE ACT PLAY (NEW FORTY-FIVE MINUTE VERSION): The unexpected divorce of Madison’s parents relocated her to New York City--a place that she has vowed to loathe. Through incredible coincidence, Madison finds a shoebox full of letters belonging to a young woman named Jessica. A connection is formed that will forever change the course of Madison’s life. Narrated by Madison’s older self, Back Cover is a story of loss, courage, humanity, and the painful--but wonderful--experience of growing up. Published by Stage Partners.

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Back Cover

Recommended by

  • Dana Hall: Back Cover by Emily Hageman
    “

    I'm currently in a production of Back Cover and working so intimately with this piece I can tell you Emily has something really special here. This coming of age story has heart, humor, and does a great honor in its tribute to those lives lost in 9/11. Such an important message about the power of storytelling. This would be a perfect piece to use in an education setting to introduce this monumental historic event to young audience. I cried every rehearsal. Thank you Emily.

    I'm currently in a production of Back Cover and working so intimately with this piece I can tell you Emily has something really special here. This coming of age story has heart, humor, and does a great honor in its tribute to those lives lost in 9/11. Such an important message about the power of storytelling. This would be a perfect piece to use in an education setting to introduce this monumental historic event to young audience. I cried every rehearsal. Thank you Emily.

    ”
  • Alex Burkart: Back Cover by Emily Hageman
    “

    A terrific play about the connections between the past and present. I loved the natural reveals and the development of the play's main protagonist. Really great production for any theater company.

    A terrific play about the connections between the past and present. I loved the natural reveals and the development of the play's main protagonist. Really great production for any theater company.

    ”
  • Dominica Plummer: Back Cover by Emily Hageman
    “

    This is a remarkable play that manages to deal with a range of life changing events in just one act. Kudos to equally remarkable playwright Emily Hageman for creating a heart warming, yet also heart wrenching drama that audiences, young and old, will relate to. Loved it!

    This is a remarkable play that manages to deal with a range of life changing events in just one act. Kudos to equally remarkable playwright Emily Hageman for creating a heart warming, yet also heart wrenching drama that audiences, young and old, will relate to. Loved it!

    ”
View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

  • MadisonNow
    World-wise and well-put together. Sarcastic and self-deprecatory.
    30-45
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MadisonThen/Ellie
    Innocent and hurting. Curious and intelligent.
    14-18
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jessica
    Sincere and sharp. Wise beyond her years.
    14-18
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Mom
    Goofy and embarrassing, but extremely empathetic.
    35-45
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Dad
    Broken and well-meaning.
    35-45
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Matt
    Humble, silly and genuine.
    16-19
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Katie
    Sweet and outgoing.
    14-18
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Growing Stage Theatre, 2019

Production History

  • Community Theater, The Road Less Traveled Community Theatre Company, 2019
  • High School, Bergen County Academies, 2019
  • High School, DCHS, 2019
  • High School, Lakeside High School, 2019
  • High School, Morgan High School, 2019
  • High School, Uvalde High School, 2019
  • High School, Williams Montessori, 2019
  • Professional, Eden Prairie Players, 2019
  • Professional, Enter Stage Left, 2019
  • High School, Ashland High School, 2018
  • High School, Chancellor High School , 2018
  • High School, Father Tolton Catholic High School, 2018
  • High School, Nipmuc Regional High School, 2018
  • High School, Seminole High School, 2018
  • High School, Siouxland Christian, 2018
  • Professional, LAMB Theatre, 2018

Awards

  • Women's One Acts
    Eden Prairie Players
    Finalist
    2018
  • Dubuque One Act Play-writing Contest
    Dubuque Fine Arts Society
    Semi-Finalist
    2018
  • Critic's Choice
    Iowa High School Speech Association Large Group Competition
    Judges' Choice
    2018