Pageant Play

by Jen Diamond

Each year, Derby, Nevada (population 3,529) hosts the Derby Dolls Pageant to commemorate the sacrifices the town's foremothers made when they resorted to cannibalism in order to survive a snowstorm. In this laugh out loud, break your heart comedy about teetering on the brink of womanhood, four pageant girls compete to win the Derby Dolls crown, only to discover that there are more ways to be a woman than they...

Each year, Derby, Nevada (population 3,529) hosts the Derby Dolls Pageant to commemorate the sacrifices the town's foremothers made when they resorted to cannibalism in order to survive a snowstorm. In this laugh out loud, break your heart comedy about teetering on the brink of womanhood, four pageant girls compete to win the Derby Dolls crown, only to discover that there are more ways to be a woman than they ever realized.

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Pageant Play

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Pageant Play

    A stunning coming of age story about a group of girls trying to figure out their places in life. Very funny at times and so authentic. A play about what it means to be a girl in a society that is so critical of them.

    A stunning coming of age story about a group of girls trying to figure out their places in life. Very funny at times and so authentic. A play about what it means to be a girl in a society that is so critical of them.

  • Sam Walsh: Pageant Play

    A funny play with a whole lot of heart. Great roles for younger actors and could see this doing really well at a college or high school. Rich roles for young folks to dig their teeth into and some beautiful monologues.

    A funny play with a whole lot of heart. Great roles for younger actors and could see this doing really well at a college or high school. Rich roles for young folks to dig their teeth into and some beautiful monologues.

  • Aly Kantor: Pageant Play

    There is value in history, tradition, and remembering the past. There is also value in embracing something new. When you're caught in the middle (or trapped in a blizzard... or scandal), which do you choose?

    This play offers a hilarious vehicle for an ensemble of teens without ever condescending. The heightened history is a perfect match for the heightened teenage emotions, which rise to a fever pitch of gorgeous, chaotic complexity. There is some really clever doubling, too! Somehow, at its core, it offers a story about grief, generational trauma, and persistence under damaged systems...

    There is value in history, tradition, and remembering the past. There is also value in embracing something new. When you're caught in the middle (or trapped in a blizzard... or scandal), which do you choose?

    This play offers a hilarious vehicle for an ensemble of teens without ever condescending. The heightened history is a perfect match for the heightened teenage emotions, which rise to a fever pitch of gorgeous, chaotic complexity. There is some really clever doubling, too! Somehow, at its core, it offers a story about grief, generational trauma, and persistence under damaged systems. Quirky & thought-provoking!

View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Bechdel Group, Year 2023
  • Type Reading, Organization Director Adrienne Campbell-Holt, Hunter College MFA Roundtable Reading Series, Year 2023
  • Type Residency, Organization stroller scene – Dragon's Egg Development Retreat, Year 2023

Awards