Maladies

by Chris Ann Sherman

Jo Pisano is a lonely, panicky, neurotic, agoraphobe with a keen distrust of people. When disheveled widower Mel moves in next door looking for a friend, Jo wants none of it. However, that doesn’t stop her from becoming intrigued by the parade of female seniors coming and going from his apartment at all hours. Despite her adult son Danny’s warnings, like any good nosey neighbor Jo jumps to conclusions and...

Jo Pisano is a lonely, panicky, neurotic, agoraphobe with a keen distrust of people. When disheveled widower Mel moves in next door looking for a friend, Jo wants none of it. However, that doesn’t stop her from becoming intrigued by the parade of female seniors coming and going from his apartment at all hours. Despite her adult son Danny’s warnings, like any good nosey neighbor Jo jumps to conclusions and hilarious misunderstandings ensue, exposing secrets, prompting confessions, and in spite of all their maladies, ultimately leading to a lasting, deep friendship.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Maladies

Recommended by

  • Kim E. Ruyle: Maladies by Chris Ann Sherman
    “

    Sherman’s got a gift for comedy. I was sucked from the opening scene. The comedic dialogue just sings, but this play is more than hilarity. It has heart. It has romance. And it has the poignant transformation of two seniors finding each other and life anew. Maladies is lovely.

    Sherman’s got a gift for comedy. I was sucked from the opening scene. The comedic dialogue just sings, but this play is more than hilarity. It has heart. It has romance. And it has the poignant transformation of two seniors finding each other and life anew. Maladies is lovely.

    ”
  • Gregory Berry: Maladies by Chris Ann Sherman
    “

    Chris Sherman's play made me laugh out loud. The humor is natural, unforced and comes out of life's challenges. It effectively employs a common plot device in a surprising way. Rarely do plays look at friendship between women and men; Sherman does this to great effect. Audiences will like this play. A very good play for small and community theatres.

    Chris Sherman's play made me laugh out loud. The humor is natural, unforced and comes out of life's challenges. It effectively employs a common plot device in a surprising way. Rarely do plays look at friendship between women and men; Sherman does this to great effect. Audiences will like this play. A very good play for small and community theatres.

    ”
Jo Pisano: Sixty-something. Panicky, neurotic, agoraphobe. Wisecracking, joyless.

Danny Pisano: Early thirties. Macho, NYC construction worker.

Mel Williams*: Late sixties, unkempt, sincere, old-fashioned.

*Note: Mel may be played by any ethnicity and the last name may be changed to reflect this.

There is a woman with a short dialogue behind the door

Development History

  • Reading, Create Theater, 2021

Awards

  • CreateTHEATER 2023 New Works Festival
    CreateTheater
    Winner
    2023