TRUE UNTO DEATH - full-length family tragedy based on actual events

by Tom Erb

FULL LENGTH ( 7M/5F)
In the spring of 1894, amidst contrasting societal conditions known as the "Mauve Decade," the "Gay Nineties," and "The Gilded Age," a significant chapter unfolds in Springdale, western Pennsylvania. The Remaley family, headed by John Randolph Remaley, is at a pivotal moment. John and his brother, George Remaley, own vast stretches of land in the Cheswick and Springdale areas. John, a...

FULL LENGTH ( 7M/5F)
In the spring of 1894, amidst contrasting societal conditions known as the "Mauve Decade," the "Gay Nineties," and "The Gilded Age," a significant chapter unfolds in Springdale, western Pennsylvania. The Remaley family, headed by John Randolph Remaley, is at a pivotal moment. John and his brother, George Remaley, own vast stretches of land in the Cheswick and Springdale areas. John, a renowned fisherman along the Allegheny River, holds a record for the largest fish catch with a seine in the river's history, hauling in 40 barrels of white perch near the mouth of the Kiskimnetas in the early 1860s. John and his Irish-born wife, Elizabeth, have settled down and raised a large family consisting of their eleven children: Louis, Mary, Julie, William (John), Samuel, Jacob, Sara (Sadie), Cornelia (Nellie), James, Phillip, and Arabella (Bella). Many of the boys are employed in the railroad and steel mills, facing the challenging times of the Homestead strike 1892, a significant labor dispute involving union workers at a Carnegie Steel plant. As tough economic conditions persist in the Pittsburgh suburb, with deflation, rural decline, and high unemployment rates, the story focuses on the three youngest daughters of the Remaley family, who emerge as the most independent. Bella, the youngest daughter, marries William Arthur, a boarding house resident at Acme Powder Works near Hulton, across the Allegheny River. Bella secures a job for her sister, Sadie, and provides her a place to stay while their sister Nellie takes on cleaning duties for them. Despite the challenges, the three sisters are determined to forge ahead with their lives. However, tragedy looms over their lives as the last day of their existence unfolds. Joined by a surprise visit from their parents, John and Elizabeth, the family gathers for a memorable dinner, unaware that it will be their final moments together. The play delves into the events that transpire on this fateful day, leading to the untimely demise of the three sisters, Bella's husband, William, and Nellie's love interest, Charles Robbins.

***Please note that the play's final act includes dialogue sourced from local newspapers of the time, which may contain graphic and disturbing content.***

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TRUE UNTO DEATH - full-length family tragedy based on actual events

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  • Ian Donley: TRUE UNTO DEATH - full-length family tragedy based on actual events by Tom Erb
    “

    Tom Erb manages to write a simplistic love story while infusing rich historical context which, without making it obvious, sets up the ending (yet still making it feel like a slap in the face of a reality check in the best way possible).

    Tom Erb manages to write a simplistic love story while infusing rich historical context which, without making it obvious, sets up the ending (yet still making it feel like a slap in the face of a reality check in the best way possible).

    ”
  • Darrin Friedman: TRUE UNTO DEATH - full-length family tragedy based on actual events by Tom Erb
    “

    The narrative seamlessly blends historical context with intimate family dynamics, crafting a rich tapestry that captivates the audience from the start. The characters are well-developed and relatable, their interactions brimming with warmth and humor. Everyday moments around the dining table, filled with reminiscences of past adventures and family quirks, are poignantly contrasted with an impending sense of tragedy.

    The narrative seamlessly blends historical context with intimate family dynamics, crafting a rich tapestry that captivates the audience from the start. The characters are well-developed and relatable, their interactions brimming with warmth and humor. Everyday moments around the dining table, filled with reminiscences of past adventures and family quirks, are poignantly contrasted with an impending sense of tragedy.

    ”
  • Brent Alles: TRUE UNTO DEATH - full-length family tragedy based on actual events by Tom Erb
    “

    This was quite the work. An interesting history lesson from an era that many may not have great knowledge of, but this is not mere academia. It's a family story first, and the family is interesting and charming, and we definitely grow to love them. That makes what happens at the end so much more impactful and tragic in terms of realizing what was lost. This would definitely make for a great show to be produced to not only give great parts to actors but a moving tragedy for audiences to witness as well.

    This was quite the work. An interesting history lesson from an era that many may not have great knowledge of, but this is not mere academia. It's a family story first, and the family is interesting and charming, and we definitely grow to love them. That makes what happens at the end so much more impactful and tragic in terms of realizing what was lost. This would definitely make for a great show to be produced to not only give great parts to actors but a moving tragedy for audiences to witness as well.

    ”