When You Get Here

by Jacob Goodman

Beth, lonely in her late 60s, accepts an invitation from Don to visit his retirement community in Florida. Beth arrives in The Villages sure that only happiness can abound in a place so wonderful and she’s convinced that this is where she wants to spend the rest of her life. But soon the reality of The Villages creeps in and Beth finds herself asking why Don invited her to visit and whether the people here are...

Beth, lonely in her late 60s, accepts an invitation from Don to visit his retirement community in Florida. Beth arrives in The Villages sure that only happiness can abound in a place so wonderful and she’s convinced that this is where she wants to spend the rest of her life. But soon the reality of The Villages creeps in and Beth finds herself asking why Don invited her to visit and whether the people here are just as lonely as her.

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When You Get Here

Recommended by

  • Elin Hampton: When You Get Here by Jacob Goodman
    “

    Wonderful roles for elder actors. A bittersweet look at an over 60 community. Characters are well-defined. One set, easily producible.

    Wonderful roles for elder actors. A bittersweet look at an over 60 community. Characters are well-defined. One set, easily producible.

    ”

Character Information

This play is composed completely of characters OVER the age of 60 and seven roles are over the age of 80.

The actor playing Richie can also double as Harry, the News Anchor and the Waiter.

Also while it's not a requirement that they be played by American actors, all these characters are American
  • Beth
    Reaching the end of middle age, lonely yet completely earnest.
    Late 60s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Don
    Very stubborn, he can't help but alienate himself from almost anyone.
    Late 80s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Barbara
    Very traditional, very judgemental especially of her own life choices
    Early 80s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Jim
    The patriarch of a large family, always very satisfied with himself because he thinks he did it all right.
    Late 80s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Bob
    A kind and loving man living with alzheimers, he has made his career as a man of great intellect
    Early 80s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Kathleen
    Fiercely kind, she is terrified about the next stage of her life yet always sees the sunshine
    Early 80s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Frank
    A recent widower, he is ever the realist of his group of friends.
    Late 70s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Lisa Anne
    A former resident of the villages, she is crass, conniving and a little sexy
    Lates 80s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Harry
    Beth's brother, an accomplished man of the new age
    60s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Richie
    a local gardener, can be doubled with Harry
    40-60
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History