The Essentials by Kelsey Austin

With her grieving husband Peter consumed by Sasquatch hunting, homemaker Meredith finds her voice and purpose in launching an online essential oils business. Her mother, Joyce, sees danger in this new-found independence, Peter is disturbed by Meredith’s unique way of coping, and Milton, Meredith's father, is indifferent and only wants peace from his reading chair. Ultimately, the oils overtake, and both...
With her grieving husband Peter consumed by Sasquatch hunting, homemaker Meredith finds her voice and purpose in launching an online essential oils business. Her mother, Joyce, sees danger in this new-found independence, Peter is disturbed by Meredith’s unique way of coping, and Milton, Meredith's father, is indifferent and only wants peace from his reading chair. Ultimately, the oils overtake, and both Peter and Meredith choose their own paths.

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The Essentials

Recommended by

  • Julia Everitt:
    7 Apr. 2020
    “ Great pacing. The lines are very staccato and the whole thing is just a little surreal, in the best possible way. It remind me a bit of an Albee play (I'm thinking of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in particular). ”

Meredith Former school teacher turned entrepreneur, she leans heavy on the cheese. And knows it. 42
Peter Meredith’s hurting husband, he gets existential as he searches for Bigfoot. 41
Joyce Meredith’s mother, a retired school teacher, she’s calculating and loves a seasonal hand towel. 68
Milton Meredith’s droll father, he prefers sitting and reading to real life. 69

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Steve Nordmark, Links Hall, Chicago
    ,
    2023
  • Reading
    ,
    Telling Humans Festival, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago
    ,
    2023