The Shady Lady: A Robust Blend of Privilege, Influence, and White-Collar Crime

Co-written with Kara Poe Atnip

FULL LENGTH. The executive director of an environmental nonprofit has used the nonprofit’s money to buy himself a yacht, unbeknownst to his staff. Now Ronan Farrow is coming by the office at noon for an interview, and he and his staff must scramble to cover up the evidence of his embezzlement before they all end up in federal prison.

ALL RIGHTS INQUIRIES MUST GO THROUGH Next Stage Press: https://www...

FULL LENGTH. The executive director of an environmental nonprofit has used the nonprofit’s money to buy himself a yacht, unbeknownst to his staff. Now Ronan Farrow is coming by the office at noon for an interview, and he and his staff must scramble to cover up the evidence of his embezzlement before they all end up in federal prison.

ALL RIGHTS INQUIRIES MUST GO THROUGH Next Stage Press: https://www.nextstagepress.com/licensing/

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The Shady Lady: A Robust Blend of Privilege, Influence, and White-Collar Crime

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor: The Shady Lady: A Robust Blend of Privilege, Influence, and White-Collar Crime

    Oh, the things well-meaning people will go along with to maintain a fragile sense of security in a world LITERALLY buried in garbage! I ADORE this cast of quirky, recognizable women who are keeping the terrible man at the center of this scandal afloat. The circumstances are silly, but the personal stakes are consistently high. Easily staged in a single conference room, the hilarious sight gags and physical comedy keep things dynamic! This quick-moving play never pauses for a second... just when you think it has, things somehow escalate AGAIN! A timely workplace comedy with fantastic comedic...

    Oh, the things well-meaning people will go along with to maintain a fragile sense of security in a world LITERALLY buried in garbage! I ADORE this cast of quirky, recognizable women who are keeping the terrible man at the center of this scandal afloat. The circumstances are silly, but the personal stakes are consistently high. Easily staged in a single conference room, the hilarious sight gags and physical comedy keep things dynamic! This quick-moving play never pauses for a second... just when you think it has, things somehow escalate AGAIN! A timely workplace comedy with fantastic comedic roles for women!

  • David Lipschutz: The Shady Lady: A Robust Blend of Privilege, Influence, and White-Collar Crime

    THE SHADY LADY is a hilarious workplace farce. I was fortunate enough to see this play performed live at its world premiere with The Saint Sebastian Players in Chicago, Illinois. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend and Kara Poe Atnip knock it out of the park with their writing. The characters all have very funny, unique voices/personalities, and the story will keep the audience guessing at what on Earth could possibly happen next!

    THE SHADY LADY is a hilarious workplace farce. I was fortunate enough to see this play performed live at its world premiere with The Saint Sebastian Players in Chicago, Illinois. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend and Kara Poe Atnip knock it out of the park with their writing. The characters all have very funny, unique voices/personalities, and the story will keep the audience guessing at what on Earth could possibly happen next!

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: The Shady Lady: A Robust Blend of Privilege, Influence, and White-Collar Crime

    I laughed so hard through this play my ribs hurt! Lisa has created a wonderfully absurd world within a non-profit organisation where those in power are hopeless and their underlings are working frantically to save them (and by association themselves). The very witty back and forth between the collection of wonderfully created characters creates this brilliant farcical journey. It needs a live production!

    I laughed so hard through this play my ribs hurt! Lisa has created a wonderfully absurd world within a non-profit organisation where those in power are hopeless and their underlings are working frantically to save them (and by association themselves). The very witty back and forth between the collection of wonderfully created characters creates this brilliant farcical journey. It needs a live production!

View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

6 women, 3 men:

  • Preston Taylor
    carries himself with all the confidence of a mediocre white man
    Character Age
    late 50s/early 60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Nicole
    a perfectionist; very smart
    Character Age
    40ish
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Madison
    Just out of college; hasn't yet lost her hopeful optimism
    Character Age
    22
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Melinda
    curt; not interested in making work friends
    Character Age
    40s/50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Leah
    sweet but not very smart; went to high school with Nicole
    Character Age
    40ish
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Deborah
    sweet as pie; can't keep a secret
    Character Age
    60s/70s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Big Preston
    a classic idiot; he looks like he spends the majority of each day at the gym, and he is much taller than his dad, Preston Taylor
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ronin
    a mild-mannered, unassuming reporter for The Portland Gazette
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Elizabeth Taylor
    Preston Taylor's wife, who is running for governor. She appears only in a video at the top of the show (if there are no video capabilities, she can appear on stage in a spotlight).
    Character Age
    late 50s/early 60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization States of Play, Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization The Saint Sebastian Players, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization Rhinofest, Year 2020