Lay The Bent to the Bonny Broom

by Zoe Senese-Grossberg

A wealthy Jewish family in Regency England attempts to pass the days through an endless season of balls and social pleasantries. When they build an automaton who ends up being the perfect woman; she seems to be a solution to all their problems. However, they soon realize she is far from under their control. A play with music that is part horror-comedy and part Austenian romance.

A wealthy Jewish family in Regency England attempts to pass the days through an endless season of balls and social pleasantries. When they build an automaton who ends up being the perfect woman; she seems to be a solution to all their problems. However, they soon realize she is far from under their control. A play with music that is part horror-comedy and part Austenian romance.

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Lay The Bent to the Bonny Broom

Recommended by

  • Zach Barr: Lay The Bent to the Bonny Broom by Zoe Senese-Grossberg
    “

    The moment I realized that Rowena embodied not only Edith and Caroline's desire for social acceptance, but also their justified desire for revenge against society's callousness, the play snapped into place. Watching the humans try to temper the robot's impulses only made their own deep-seated anger more apparent, and watching the veil of gentility peel away as the plot picked up was gripping. How inhuman do we allow ourselves to be, to fit in with those who say our humanity isn't enough?

    The moment I realized that Rowena embodied not only Edith and Caroline's desire for social acceptance, but also their justified desire for revenge against society's callousness, the play snapped into place. Watching the humans try to temper the robot's impulses only made their own deep-seated anger more apparent, and watching the veil of gentility peel away as the plot picked up was gripping. How inhuman do we allow ourselves to be, to fit in with those who say our humanity isn't enough?

    ”
  • Alicia Margarita Olivo: Lay The Bent to the Bonny Broom by Zoe Senese-Grossberg
    “

    Had the pleasure of reading this script a couple of years ago, and it's cropped up in my mind several times since then. Absolutely one of my favorite scripts I've ever gotten to read. I cannot wait until this gets produced one day.

    Had the pleasure of reading this script a couple of years ago, and it's cropped up in my mind several times since then. Absolutely one of my favorite scripts I've ever gotten to read. I cannot wait until this gets produced one day.

    ”
  • MJ Kirsche: Lay The Bent to the Bonny Broom by Zoe Senese-Grossberg
    “

    One of the most lovable scripts I've read in a long time. Expertly and tactically written, the script creates a world that is so easy to get lost and involved in. With characters that are passionate, complex, and frightening, Lay The Bent To The Bonny Broom captures attention and keeps suspense around the characters relationships and mortality the entire show. Asks several questions, leaves you haunted. Would love to see a production of this play

    One of the most lovable scripts I've read in a long time. Expertly and tactically written, the script creates a world that is so easy to get lost and involved in. With characters that are passionate, complex, and frightening, Lay The Bent To The Bonny Broom captures attention and keeps suspense around the characters relationships and mortality the entire show. Asks several questions, leaves you haunted. Would love to see a production of this play

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Actors of any gender, race, or ethnicity can play any character. All of the suitors plus the Constable should be played by one skilled character actor.
  • Edith Gideon
    A wealthy merchant’s daughter, a rational and scientific minded inventor, desperate for control. Presents in a proto-butch or masc style, as much as her time period allows.
    late 20s-early 30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
  • Caroline Gideon
    Edith’s little sister, fanciful and flirtatious, suppressing a rage she does not understand, she is an accomplished young lady, must play guitar quite well and sing at least passably well
    23
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
  • Simon Rosenstein
    Edith and Caroline's distant cousin and father’s heir, a failed student, awkward, ineffectual, sexually repressed, and listless. He was raised in comparable poverty in London's East End. Must sing and play guitar decently.
    mid 20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
  • Daniel Waters
    A dedicated butler with a quick and cutting wit, hardworking and paternal to the girls, he has served the family so long they have replaced his own
    late 50s-early 60s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Rowena (The Automaton)
    A clockwork girl, unearthly in beauty, painted on features, new to the world, she looks younger than Edith but older than Caroline, somewhere between a child, an animal, and a robot (think E.T.). Must be a somewhat accomplished singer.
    mid-late 20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
  • The Man
    A gifted character actor who plays all other characters, pale reflections of the stock characters of this era, best to find the bit for each one of them and use that to differentiate. Includes: an eccentric zoologist, a pompous young member of Parliament, a slightly lecherous Reverend, a foppish Viscount, a handsome young suitor, and a proto-Sherlock Holmes type constable. Must sing well.
    Any Age
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s

Development History

  • Workshop, The Firebird Project, 2024

Awards

  • National Playwright’s Conference
    Eugene O’Neill Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2023