Janie Wants A Dog

by Jan Rosenberg

You're invited to Janie's sleepover party! I know we're all a little uncomfortable after what happened, but PLEASE be nice to Janie and don't tell her your parents forced you to come. Don't say anything that will "trigger" her or whatever. Her Moms just really want her to have a nice, normal time with her friends, okay? So bring your cutest PJs, leave your stuffed animals at home, AND your bras-let's be honest...

You're invited to Janie's sleepover party! I know we're all a little uncomfortable after what happened, but PLEASE be nice to Janie and don't tell her your parents forced you to come. Don't say anything that will "trigger" her or whatever. Her Moms just really want her to have a nice, normal time with her friends, okay? So bring your cutest PJs, leave your stuffed animals at home, AND your bras-let's be honest, you don't have anything to put in a training bra anyway, Sierra.
RSVP to let Janie's Moms know you're coming! And remember! PRETEND LIKE EVERYTHING IS NORMAL!

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Janie Wants A Dog

Recommended by

  • Matt Minnicino: Janie Wants A Dog by Jan Rosenberg
    “

    I'd love to describe this play as "raw" or some similar word that communicates how it cuts to the bone both in theme and dialogue -- but I feel like that betrays how tender and effortlessly funny it is, bringing a deft, bitingly-real humor to a narrative about pained people in a painful time. Its characters are in a constant war between the messiness of the real and that desperate hope for an ordered, safe world that makes sense -- and Rosenberg gets to the heart of that conflict with each line and interaction. Anyway, somebody do the play please.

    I'd love to describe this play as "raw" or some similar word that communicates how it cuts to the bone both in theme and dialogue -- but I feel like that betrays how tender and effortlessly funny it is, bringing a deft, bitingly-real humor to a narrative about pained people in a painful time. Its characters are in a constant war between the messiness of the real and that desperate hope for an ordered, safe world that makes sense -- and Rosenberg gets to the heart of that conflict with each line and interaction. Anyway, somebody do the play please.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Janie Wants A Dog by Jan Rosenberg
    “

    An honest look at trauma, mental health and growing up that starts an important conversation. Well done.

    An honest look at trauma, mental health and growing up that starts an important conversation. Well done.

    ”
  • New Light Theater Project: Janie Wants A Dog by Jan Rosenberg
    “

    We were looking forward to a workshop presentation of this play that was prematurely cancelled due to COVID-19. JANIE is comprised of 6 beautifully complex, female-identifying characters. In this distressing coming-of-age story, they face some of the more complicated issues plaguing our society (gun violence, eating disorders, mental health). Jan's unique voice is funny & relatable and will certainly spark important conversations. Highly recommended.

    We were looking forward to a workshop presentation of this play that was prematurely cancelled due to COVID-19. JANIE is comprised of 6 beautifully complex, female-identifying characters. In this distressing coming-of-age story, they face some of the more complicated issues plaguing our society (gun violence, eating disorders, mental health). Jan's unique voice is funny & relatable and will certainly spark important conversations. Highly recommended.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

BODY DIVERSITY. IS NOT A SUGGESTION. IT'S A DEMAND.
  • JANIE
    Panic Attacks. Loves dogs.
    11
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • PRETZEL
    The loud, funny one.
    The loud, funny one.
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • SIERRA
    The baby. Copycat. Sensitive.
    11
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • DAISY
    The one with the big mouth. Know-it-all.
    11
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • NAOMI
    JANIE’s mom. Gay.
    30s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • PERRY
    JANIE'S Mom. Slightly younger than Naomi.
    30s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Theater Zoomed to You, 2020
  • Reading, The Lark, 2019
  • Reading, Cherry Lane Theater, 2019

Production History

  • University, Bridgewater State University, 2023

Awards

  • Plays In Progress Series
    Athena Project
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • New American Voices Playwriting Festival
    The Landing Theatre Company
    Semi-Finalist
    2020