On the Porch

by Debbie Lamedman

Sylvie is getting high on her porch when her neighbor, Jean stops by for a chat. What starts as a brief neighborly conversation, quickly becomes two women baring their souls to one another as they commiserate over their anxieties of aging in this youth-conscious society.

Sylvie is getting high on her porch when her neighbor, Jean stops by for a chat. What starts as a brief neighborly conversation, quickly becomes two women baring their souls to one another as they commiserate over their anxieties of aging in this youth-conscious society.

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On the Porch

Recommended by

  • Lolly Ward: On the Porch by Debbie Lamedman
    “

    This is a play that stays with you — the characters are so fully realized and distinct, batting their troubles back and forth until they meet in the middle and finally forge a true connection. It's a joy to spend time with these women.

    This is a play that stays with you — the characters are so fully realized and distinct, batting their troubles back and forth until they meet in the middle and finally forge a true connection. It's a joy to spend time with these women.

    ”
  • Robert Weibezahl: On the Porch by Debbie Lamedman
    “

    For anyone who foolishly believes that age is just a number, Lamedman’s Sylvie has a few choice words. Quite a few, actually, and they are funny, angry, pointed and painfully accurate words. This sharp two-hander provides great roles for female actors of a certain age, who surely will relish the chance to savor and spew this dead-on dialogue.

    For anyone who foolishly believes that age is just a number, Lamedman’s Sylvie has a few choice words. Quite a few, actually, and they are funny, angry, pointed and painfully accurate words. This sharp two-hander provides great roles for female actors of a certain age, who surely will relish the chance to savor and spew this dead-on dialogue.

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Reingold: On the Porch by Debbie Lamedman
    “

    Thrilled to read a play with two women in their 50’s-60, grappling with their perspectives on aging. Loved Sylvia’s unwillingness to be BS cheery for anyone! And how their honest misery unites them. A great piece for two ever amazing women in their 50’s-60. Funny and poignant. I'd love to see it staged and I’d love to see these two characters again!

    Thrilled to read a play with two women in their 50’s-60, grappling with their perspectives on aging. Loved Sylvia’s unwillingness to be BS cheery for anyone! And how their honest misery unites them. A great piece for two ever amazing women in their 50’s-60. Funny and poignant. I'd love to see it staged and I’d love to see these two characters again!

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • SYLVIE
    Approaching her sixtieth birthday. She has run out of steam, depressed. She is both lonely and wants to isolate. She is trying to come to terms with the changes in her body, and the changes in her life, and the world around her.
    Late 50's-60
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • JEAN
    SYLVIE’s neighbor. A few years younger in mid to late 50s. JEAN accepts things as they are. She’s not one to ruffle feathers. She doesn’t give any thought to whether or not she is happy. This is the way things are.
    50's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

  • Professional, 2021