Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

After years of isolation, trans woman Mazie arrives at the bar in her flashiest attire. She and another woman Dana, who's searching for her own fresh start, are hitting it off. However, the critical voice in Mazie's head, in the form of her supportive but old-fashioned mother, threatens to sully her good time. Will Mazie get the girl, or will she give in to her self-doubt?

This play received its world premiere...

After years of isolation, trans woman Mazie arrives at the bar in her flashiest attire. She and another woman Dana, who's searching for her own fresh start, are hitting it off. However, the critical voice in Mazie's head, in the form of her supportive but old-fashioned mother, threatens to sully her good time. Will Mazie get the girl, or will she give in to her self-doubt?

This play received its world premiere production August 3rd - 4th at Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Produced by Sapphest. It was published by Smith & Kraus in the “WE/OURSELVES” Ten-Minute Play Anthology on April 30th 2025 and can be purchased through Amazon or the Smith & Kraus website.

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Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

Recommended by

  • H. Avery: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    Precious! In a political climate that is trying to stifle queer joy, CANT BE A GOOD GIRL, MAMA lives under the conditions that being who you are is so acceptable that it's silly to be insecure about it. We all need a Mama who will love us and guide us unconditionally, as she does Mazie.

    Precious! In a political climate that is trying to stifle queer joy, CANT BE A GOOD GIRL, MAMA lives under the conditions that being who you are is so acceptable that it's silly to be insecure about it. We all need a Mama who will love us and guide us unconditionally, as she does Mazie.

  • Collin Smith: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    This play reminded me of a quote from Katie Gavin: "if the world is gonna change in the way that it needs to, it's very important for our revolution to be based on joy, and what brings us joy, and chasing after that." This play allows space for the insecurity and difficulty which comes from being queer and trans, yet ultimately focuses on the beauty of the moment. The play is made ever sweeter by the character working through insecurity. Just heartwarming and affirming in the best way.

    This play reminded me of a quote from Katie Gavin: "if the world is gonna change in the way that it needs to, it's very important for our revolution to be based on joy, and what brings us joy, and chasing after that." This play allows space for the insecurity and difficulty which comes from being queer and trans, yet ultimately focuses on the beauty of the moment. The play is made ever sweeter by the character working through insecurity. Just heartwarming and affirming in the best way.

  • Aly Kantor: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    Oh, has there ever been a cuter, more clever, or more delightful unapologetically queer meet cute? What struck me the most about this play is how kind it feels. After all, how many stories have you read about the mother of a trans woman who is enthusiastically supportive... to a fault? The theatrical choices, such as the doubling and the choice to double down on the delicious campiness, are incredibly effective. Plus, there are themes in this play that many, many women can relate to. Moms, am I right? Fantastic!

    Oh, has there ever been a cuter, more clever, or more delightful unapologetically queer meet cute? What struck me the most about this play is how kind it feels. After all, how many stories have you read about the mother of a trans woman who is enthusiastically supportive... to a fault? The theatrical choices, such as the doubling and the choice to double down on the delicious campiness, are incredibly effective. Plus, there are themes in this play that many, many women can relate to. Moms, am I right? Fantastic!

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Mazie must be played by a transgender woman. The actor playing Bartender doubles as Linda.
  • Bartender
    Never too busy for a heart-to-heart. Doubles as LINDA, Mazie’s mother, or rather, the personification of Linda’s voice in Mazie’s head.
    Character Age
    20s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Any
  • Dana
    Seeing where the night takes her.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis female
  • Mazie
    Trying to meet people; herself most of all.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Trans woman

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization TranScript Productions, Year 2025
  • Type Professional, Organization Sapphest, Year 2024