The Rose-Red City

by John Yarbrough

An afternoon takes a turn when a dementia-ridden husband tells his wife a story of a long-ago trip together and the wife realizes he may have made the trip but with another woman. When her husband has an attack, in desperation she tells his story back to him but as if they had gone together. Can a story of a betrayal turn into a lifesaving act of forgiveness?

An afternoon takes a turn when a dementia-ridden husband tells his wife a story of a long-ago trip together and the wife realizes he may have made the trip but with another woman. When her husband has an attack, in desperation she tells his story back to him but as if they had gone together. Can a story of a betrayal turn into a lifesaving act of forgiveness?

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The Rose-Red City

Recommended by

  • Claudia Haas: The Rose-Red City by John Yarbrough
    “

    A beautiful ode to love and marriage - even if there were some questionable times here and there. Yarbrough manages to create a memory that both divides and heals. He creates a circle that brings a surprise and and a smile. No matter what, love is in the equation of a long marriage.

    A beautiful ode to love and marriage - even if there were some questionable times here and there. Yarbrough manages to create a memory that both divides and heals. He creates a circle that brings a surprise and and a smile. No matter what, love is in the equation of a long marriage.

    ”
  • Robin Rice: The Rose-Red City by John Yarbrough
    “

    "The Rose-Red City" is an absolute delight! Very funny. Very touching. Very well-written with excellent timing and rhythm as well as a keen-ear for long-time, loving spouses. Special kudos for a totally unexpected twist.

    "The Rose-Red City" is an absolute delight! Very funny. Very touching. Very well-written with excellent timing and rhythm as well as a keen-ear for long-time, loving spouses. Special kudos for a totally unexpected twist.

    ”

Character Information

  • LLOYD
    Elderly, falling into dementia, husband to Dot
    70s/80s
    Mixed: African American/Black and White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • DOT
    Elderly, wife and caregiver to Lloyd
    70s/80s
    Mixed: African American/Black and White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • CRYSTAL
    Daughter to Lloyd and Dot, wife to Wayne
    30s
    Mixed: African American/Black and White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • WAYNE
    Husband to Crystal, son-in-law to Lloyd and Dot
    30s
    Mixed: African American/Black and White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • Community Theater, Readers Theatre Repertory (Portland, Ore), 2022
  • Professional, British Theatre Challenge, 2017
  • Community Theater, Theatre Southwest (Houston) (as A Desert Serenade), 2016
  • Fringe, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, 2015
  • Fringe, Strawberry One-Act Play Festival, 2015

Awards

  • Segora One-Act Play Festival
    Saint-André-sur-Sèvre, France
    Runner Up
    2020
  • Best American Short Plays 2014-2015
    Applause Books
    Selection
    2016
  • Top Prize
    Strawberry One-Act Play Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2015
  • Top Prize
    British Theatre Challenge
    Judges' Choice
    2017