Charlotte's Revival

by Ben Scranton

45 min. Charlie Walker runs an old movie house assisted by his teen-aged son Tommy. While changing the movie marquee late one night, he is confronted by Charlotte Lange, a troubled and grief-stricken loner with a tragic past. Through a series of fictional movie references, and an emotionally shattering story, she accuses Charlie of a personal indiscretion dating back to high school. The events upend their...

45 min. Charlie Walker runs an old movie house assisted by his teen-aged son Tommy. While changing the movie marquee late one night, he is confronted by Charlotte Lange, a troubled and grief-stricken loner with a tragic past. Through a series of fictional movie references, and an emotionally shattering story, she accuses Charlie of a personal indiscretion dating back to high school. The events upend their world and force Charlie to confront his relationship with both Charlotte and his son. His memory is tested as he struggles to do the right thing.

Production: The New Works Festival, Pittsburgh, Pa, 2019.

Review: "Perhaps the most astonishing play I had the pleasure of seeing at the Pittsburgh New Works Festival was Charlotte's Revival....so much of the power of the show lies in the gradual revelations and the horror, anguish, and sympathy that the audience experiences as the characters do. Expertly written."
Eva Phillips, Pittsburgh in the Round.

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Charlotte's Revival

Recommended by

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Charlotte's Revival by Ben Scranton
    “

    The past and its ties to the present drive Ben Scranton’s poignant “Charlotte’s Revival.” One evening, while Charlie changes the titles on the marquee of a revival movie theater, Charlotte asks him why he has left off the name of the film’s child actor. The interchange that follows, as Charlie tries to understand Charlotte, revives old memories and a heartbreaking history that may connect Charlie to Charlotte in ways he does not suspect or recall. An exquisite examination of one fragile woman’s purchase on reality. Highly recommended for festivals and lovers of film.

    The past and its ties to the present drive Ben Scranton’s poignant “Charlotte’s Revival.” One evening, while Charlie changes the titles on the marquee of a revival movie theater, Charlotte asks him why he has left off the name of the film’s child actor. The interchange that follows, as Charlie tries to understand Charlotte, revives old memories and a heartbreaking history that may connect Charlie to Charlotte in ways he does not suspect or recall. An exquisite examination of one fragile woman’s purchase on reality. Highly recommended for festivals and lovers of film.

    ”
  • J.Lois Diamond: Charlotte's Revival by Ben Scranton
    “

    I attended an online reading of this play at The Depot. It is a very poetic piece, with a lush use of language. The character of Charlotte is drawn with so much delicacy, she is reminiscent of the women populating the plays of William Inge and Tennessee Williams. I would love to see a full production of this poignant play.

    I attended an online reading of this play at The Depot. It is a very poetic piece, with a lush use of language. The character of Charlotte is drawn with so much delicacy, she is reminiscent of the women populating the plays of William Inge and Tennessee Williams. I would love to see a full production of this poignant play.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, The Depot for New Play Readings - Hampton CT, 2021
  • Reading, Tiny Theatre Facebook page , 2020

Production History

  • Professional, The Pittsburgh New Works Festival, 2019

Awards

  • Best Play (nominee), Best Director (nominee), Best Leading Actress (winner)
    The Pittsburgh New Works Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2019