Above the Fold

by Julie Zaffarano

Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddleston Rogers III, the son of one of the richest men in the world. Reporter...

Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddleston Rogers III, the son of one of the richest men in the world. Reporter Dorothy Walton wants to tell Evelyn’s real story, not a typical hyped-up news story.

“A couple months ago, Evelyn Hoey was a living, breathing person with hopes and dreams and fears. Family that loved her. Toast of the town. How does a woman like that end up with a bullet in her brain?”

Dorothy fights convention to be considered an equal partner with her male colleagues. She has to convince her editor to believe in her and in the importance of telling a truthful story. In addition, Dorothy needs to face her own feelings about her colleague and former lover, Carl, who is also assigned to cover the grand jury.

This is a story of victimization, of truth vs. sensationalism, of justice vs. power, and coping with personal demons.

While the incidents on this play are inspired by real events, this is a work of fiction.

Above the Fold is a 2022 Terrence McNally finalist, a Veterans Repertory finalist, and a Eugene O'Neil Semifinalist.

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Above the Fold

Recommended by

  • Kim E. Ruyle: Above the Fold by Julie Zaffarano
    “

    Above the Fold dramatizes press coverage surrounding the investigation into the death of a musical theatre star. Set in a private barroom where reporters and a photographer gather between court sessions, the play explores ambition, rivalry, sensationalism, sexism, and the uneasy relationship between journalism and truth. Above the Fold is fast-paced, engrossing, and thought-provoking. Zaffarano's research and skilled craftsmanship bring the era and its characters vividly to life. Brava!

    Above the Fold dramatizes press coverage surrounding the investigation into the death of a musical theatre star. Set in a private barroom where reporters and a photographer gather between court sessions, the play explores ambition, rivalry, sensationalism, sexism, and the uneasy relationship between journalism and truth. Above the Fold is fast-paced, engrossing, and thought-provoking. Zaffarano's research and skilled craftsmanship bring the era and its characters vividly to life. Brava!

    ”
  • Elizabeth Hawkins: Above the Fold by Julie Zaffarano
    “

    Really sharp with a fantastic voice and clear characters. I love the ambiguity toward the end about the ghosts; the whole thing is deliciously layered.

    Really sharp with a fantastic voice and clear characters. I love the ambiguity toward the end about the ghosts; the whole thing is deliciously layered.

    ”
  • Dave Osmundsen: Above the Fold by Julie Zaffarano
    “

    Julie Zaffarano expertly employs Hawksian aesthetics, such as rapid-fire dialogue and high-stakes drama, to dive into complex topics like true crime coverage, journalistic ethics, and our capacity for violence. Zaffarano creates a strong protagonist in Dorothy, whose determination to succeed as a woman in a man’s world forces her to make difficult choices. Her push-pull relationship with fellow journalist Carl is highly compelling, resulting in one of the tensest climaxes I have read in a while.

    Julie Zaffarano expertly employs Hawksian aesthetics, such as rapid-fire dialogue and high-stakes drama, to dive into complex topics like true crime coverage, journalistic ethics, and our capacity for violence. Zaffarano creates a strong protagonist in Dorothy, whose determination to succeed as a woman in a man’s world forces her to make difficult choices. Her push-pull relationship with fellow journalist Carl is highly compelling, resulting in one of the tensest climaxes I have read in a while.

    ”
View all 19 recommendations
Dorothy Walton 20s-30s, female, W, reporter for Philadelphia Inquirer
Carl Mathers. 30-40s, male, W, reporter for Philadelphia Bulletin
Minnie. 20s-40s, female, employee of Turks Head Hotel, West Chester PA
Roy. Late 30-50s, male, reporter for the New York Times
George. 20-40s, male, photographer for New York Times
Mrs. Hoey, 50s, female, W, Evelyn’s mother
(Note: Race neutral casting is strongly encouraged for the parts of Minnie, Roy, and George.)


Development History

  • Reading, Allen's Lane Theatre, Philadelphia, 2022
  • Workshop, PlayPenn Foundry Workshop and Public Reading, 2022
  • Reading, Indiana Playwrights Center, 2021
  • Reading, Dramatists Guild, Philadelphia, 2021

Production History

Awards

  • New Works of Merit
    New Works of Merit
    Honorable Mention
    2022
  • Artemisia Theatre Series
    Artemisia Theatre
    Winner
    2022
  • Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2022
  • Veterans Repertory Theatre Contest
    Veterans Repertory Theatre
    Finalist
    2022