The Firestorm by Meridith Friedman

Gaby and Patrick, an interracial political power couple hot on the campaign trail, are thrust into the center of a media frenzy when a racially charged incident from Patrick’s past surfaces. As the pressure intensifies, the political becomes explosively personal and the foundation of their seemingly picture-perfect marriage begins to fracture.
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The Firestorm

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    25 Aug. 2020
    “ A powerful place about the tensions of a couple in politics when a past racial indiscretion is brought to the surface. It shakes everything including their marriage. Well done. ”
  • Skye Robinson Hillis:
    16 Jun. 2017
    “ I love this play! It's smart, fast-paced, and extraordinarily topical with immensely watchable characters. Meridith has such a lovely voice. ”
  • Emma Goldman-Sherman:
    14 Apr. 2017
    “ Well-written piece that kept me guessing the whole time. Meridith really understands how to create tension in the audience. Such a light touch on some very tough material, and yet all the confrontations we want are there. ”
View all 7 recommendations

Character Information

  • Gaby
    mid to late 30's,
    Black
    ,
    Female
    An antitrust attorney. Partner at a well-respected firm in Columbus, Ohio. She’s got a quick, dry wit. A well-practiced pokerface. She is strategic–not to be confused with manipulative–in all aspects of her life.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Patrick
    late 30’s to mid 40’s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Candidate for Governor of Ohio. Married to Gaby. While impressive and magnetic, his inner geek still surfaces from time to time. He’s got a let’s-roll-up-our-sleeves-and-get-to-work approach to politics. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know the game. Or how to play it.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Leslie
    late 20’s,
    White
    ,
    Female
    Patrick’s assistant campaign manager. High energy. A little awkward. Sometimes her mouth moves a step faster than her brain. But she is neither ditzy nor dumb. Knows when to take charge. Her career takes top billing in her life.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jamal
    late 30’s to mid 40’s ,
    Black
    ,
    Male
    The CEO and founder of a successful software company in Atlanta. A father of two. A quiet kid who grew into himself. He walks into a room and commands attention. Not because he’s aggressive or insistent–it’s because he knows exactly who he is.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    LOCAL Theatre Company
    ,
    2015
  • Reading
    ,
    Kitchen Dog Theatre - New Works Festival
    ,
    2014
  • Workshop
    ,
    Stage Left - Playwriting Residency and Workshop
    ,
    2014
  • Workshop
    ,
    The Dramatist Guild Fellowship
    ,
    2014

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    First Folio
    ,
    2019
  • Professional
    ,
    LOCAL Theatre Company
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    Theatre on the Lake/Stage Left Remount
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    Kitchen Dog Theatre
    ,
    2015