Freaks of the Cosmic Circus

by Lojo Simon

Tennessee Williams called his few months living in Laguna Beach in 1939, “the happiest and healthiest and most radiant time of my life.” It also was the first time that the young writer confronted his homosexuality. Freaks of the Cosmic Circus explores this critical time in Tennessee Williams’ life, as he wrestled with his identity as an artist and a man. It is a coming-of-age story inspired by the memoir...

Tennessee Williams called his few months living in Laguna Beach in 1939, “the happiest and healthiest and most radiant time of my life.” It also was the first time that the young writer confronted his homosexuality. Freaks of the Cosmic Circus explores this critical time in Tennessee Williams’ life, as he wrestled with his identity as an artist and a man. It is a coming-of-age story inspired by the memoir, notebooks and letters of one of America’s most beloved writers.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Freaks of the Cosmic Circus

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Freaks of the Cosmic Circus by Lojo Simon
    “

    A fascinating look behind the man, Tennessee Williams, as he came to understand and accept his identity. Well done.

    A fascinating look behind the man, Tennessee Williams, as he came to understand and accept his identity. Well done.

    ”
  • Heather Helinsky: Freaks of the Cosmic Circus by Lojo Simon
    “

    There are times when we think we know a historical person---but then a good playwright comes along and shines a light on a different perspective. Lojo has already done fascinating research in her role as the Laguna Beach Poet Laureate, and synthesized Williams' letters and journals to create this play. The imagery in this play was strong and compelling and I was absolutely along for the road trip. Place does shape who we are, and TW was transformed by it into the writer we know.

    There are times when we think we know a historical person---but then a good playwright comes along and shines a light on a different perspective. Lojo has already done fascinating research in her role as the Laguna Beach Poet Laureate, and synthesized Williams' letters and journals to create this play. The imagery in this play was strong and compelling and I was absolutely along for the road trip. Place does shape who we are, and TW was transformed by it into the writer we know.

    ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman: Freaks of the Cosmic Circus by Lojo Simon
    “

    A beautiful and poetic play to take the shame right out of a person and free us all from our own darkness. Tennessee Williams is such an inspiring subject, and his coming of age is more than worthy as drama. I hope it gets produced soon!

    A beautiful and poetic play to take the shame right out of a person and free us all from our own darkness. Tennessee Williams is such an inspiring subject, and his coming of age is more than worthy as drama. I hope it gets produced soon!

    ”

Character Information

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS, 60, gay
TOM WINGFIELD, late 20s, closeted gay
TOM WILLIAMS, the young Tennessee, late 20s, gay
JIM PARROTT, Tom’s friend, early 30s, not gay
MRS. ANDERSON, Tom’s landlady, gay ally
ROSE DAKIN, Tom’s grandmother, not gay
CC WILLIAMS, Tom’s father, hates gays
HOSTESS, not gay or Chinese
COLLEGE BOYS (2), Tom’s college friends, might be gay
FRED PARROTT, Jim’s uncle, 60s, squab farmer, not gay
ADELAIDE PARROTT, Jim’s aunt, 60s, an artist, not gay
RUTH PEABODY, late 40s, painter/sculptor, some think her gay
DOUG, the stranger, mid-30s, gay and out
BARTENDER, sexuality preference unknown
Non-speaking roles include BAILIFF and TRANSIENT

Doubling as follows:
Actor 1 (male, 60s): Tennessee
Actor 2 (male, late 20s): Tom, Tom Wingfield
Actor 3 (male, 20s-30s): Jim Parrott, College Boy 2
Actor 4 (male, 20s-30s): Doug, College Boy 1, Transient
Actor 5 (female, 40s-70s): Mrs. Anderson, Rose Dakin, Hostess, Adelaide Parrott, Ruth Peabody
Actor 6 (male, 50s-60s): Bartender, Bailiff, CC Williams, Fred Parrott

Historically, all characters were white, but casting may more inclusive.
  • Tennessee Williams
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Tom Williams
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Bare Bones Theatre, 2019

Production History

  • Community Theater, Wasatch Theatre Co, 2024

Awards

  • George Plautz Playwriting Prize
    Wasatch Theatre
    Winner
    2023