Picked Up

by Alexis Elisa Macedo

As a mom too young and taken too soon, Maricela’s been twisted by Grandma into a blueprint of what mistakes not to make for her daughter Cynthia. With a new boyfriend, “Jorge,” and eager to show off that she’s escaped her mother’s shadow, Cynthia returns home unrecognizable from the little girl they used to know. Worried his memory is playing tricks on him, her dad, Juan is determined to prove that he raised her...

As a mom too young and taken too soon, Maricela’s been twisted by Grandma into a blueprint of what mistakes not to make for her daughter Cynthia. With a new boyfriend, “Jorge,” and eager to show off that she’s escaped her mother’s shadow, Cynthia returns home unrecognizable from the little girl they used to know. Worried his memory is playing tricks on him, her dad, Juan is determined to prove that he raised her well enough to make her own decisions, while Grandma and Maricela, in their own ways, know something is not right about this boy and must get rid of him.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Picked Up

Recommended by

  • Tina Esper: Picked Up by Alexis Elisa Macedo
    “

    Alexis spins magic in this touching multi-generational play full of wisdom, humor and deep, deep love. I watched this play being developed over the course of two months and could never get enough of it. Alexis is a playwright to watch!

    Alexis spins magic in this touching multi-generational play full of wisdom, humor and deep, deep love. I watched this play being developed over the course of two months and could never get enough of it. Alexis is a playwright to watch!

    ”
  • Alicia Margarita Olivo: Picked Up by Alexis Elisa Macedo
    “

    One of the loveliest hauntings I've ever read. Full of complex characters that transcend time in their home, Macedo has written something that begs to be seen on a stage. I'm incredibly jealous of whoever will get to design this show! I hope to be in audience when this is presented in-person someday — manifesting!

    One of the loveliest hauntings I've ever read. Full of complex characters that transcend time in their home, Macedo has written something that begs to be seen on a stage. I'm incredibly jealous of whoever will get to design this show! I hope to be in audience when this is presented in-person someday — manifesting!

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Picked Up by Alexis Elisa Macedo
    “

    The past and present beautifully weave together in this memory play about a family with so much history and regret. I love how no one gets to be fully sympathetic in this play. They have all made mistakes and they are just trying to move past the expectations they were never able to live up to. At times, the overlapping dialogue makes this piece feel like a choreopoem. The dialogue is expertly placed.

    The past and present beautifully weave together in this memory play about a family with so much history and regret. I love how no one gets to be fully sympathetic in this play. They have all made mistakes and they are just trying to move past the expectations they were never able to live up to. At times, the overlapping dialogue makes this piece feel like a choreopoem. The dialogue is expertly placed.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, The Workshop Theatre NYC, 2021