New Dementian

by Tony Mantia

Chuck is a man of the people, everyone’s best friend, and a committed husband and father. At least, that’s what he’s been telling himself all these years. Chuck wakes up from surgery after falling in his garage and busting a hip. His children, Lizzie and Kurt, now have to be parents to their father to ensure his safety and well-being. Chuck is in denial about his early onset Dementia. After falling into a coma...

Chuck is a man of the people, everyone’s best friend, and a committed husband and father. At least, that’s what he’s been telling himself all these years. Chuck wakes up from surgery after falling in his garage and busting a hip. His children, Lizzie and Kurt, now have to be parents to their father to ensure his safety and well-being. Chuck is in denial about his early onset Dementia. After falling into a coma he encounters memories and loved ones from his past. Chuck critically examines how good of a father and husband he really was as his mind continues to betray him. New Dementian is a dramedy that explores breaking the cycle of inherited family trauma and one’s significance in the universe.

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New Dementian

Recommended by

  • Conor McShane: New Dementian by Tony Mantia
    “

    A lovely, moving, carefully observed dramedy that makes great use of theatricality to convey the slippery nature of memory and Chuck's illness. The family dynamics are terrific, and the characters' flawed but relatable humanity shines through.

    A lovely, moving, carefully observed dramedy that makes great use of theatricality to convey the slippery nature of memory and Chuck's illness. The family dynamics are terrific, and the characters' flawed but relatable humanity shines through.

    ”
  • Leah Roth Barsanti: New Dementian by Tony Mantia
    “

    This play offers existential look at the nature of life itself through the eyes of Chuck: a flawed man and father who is trying to learn from a life that he is forgetting, piece by piece. With a vibrant cast of characters who live simultaneously in the past and present, New Dementian is a darkly comic look at family, illness, and (ultimately) death.

    This play offers existential look at the nature of life itself through the eyes of Chuck: a flawed man and father who is trying to learn from a life that he is forgetting, piece by piece. With a vibrant cast of characters who live simultaneously in the past and present, New Dementian is a darkly comic look at family, illness, and (ultimately) death.

    ”

Character Information

--A family is more than just blood and skin color.
--The same actor plays all of the ages of their character.
--Double Casting:
-Psychologist: Played by Donna. End of story.
-Doctor: Played by Patty, Paul, or another actor. Probably Paul.
-Nurse: Played by Patty, Paul, or another actor. Probably Patty.
  • Chuck
    Has a John-Goodman-everyman quality about him. He’s constantly the “life” of the party, but is secretly and deeply worries if the people around him are enjoying life.
    50-65
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Lizzie
    Reads a lot of fantasy novels. Has been to six South American countries. Definitely had an emo phase in high school.
    20s-30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Patty
    Wears a ton of makeup. Afraid of getting older. Big fan of leopard print.
    40s-50s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Kurt
    Recently started wearing nice cologne. Often feels like he’s the voice of reason in his family. Secretly has no idea what he’s doing.
    20s-30s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Paul
    Strong silent type. An outwardly 1960s-esque masculine.
    40s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Psychologist
    Warm and inviting. Uses silence to get patients to
    open up. Often tongue in cheek.
    50s-60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Donna
    Clever and loving. Queen of guilt trips. The glue that holds the family together.
    50s-60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Doctor
    Very knowledgeable but also has a sense of humor.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
  • Nurse
    Great at their job.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s

Development History

  • Workshop, Northwestern University, 2020

Awards

  • Northwestern University Festival of New Works 2020
    Northwestern University
    Selection
    2020