The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (or, Would-be Elks) by Jennie Webb

A comedy about negotiations, acceptance and belonging, The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (or, Would-be Elks) tracks the cocktails and confessions of a group of larger-than-life women who regularly meet to drink and dish. But on this particular evening of excess, a girls' night out becomes a surreal exploration of female bonds in a changing world.
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The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (or, Would-be Elks)

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    30 Oct. 2021
    “ A fantastic look at the relationships of women and their bonds as they struggle to navigate the world around them. Well done. ”
  • Doug DeVita:
    22 Aug. 2019
    “ The food, alcohol, and delightfully snarky quips fly fast and furiously in "The Big Red Naugahyde Booth (Or, Would-be Elks)" as playwright Jennie Webb builds a fraught, late-night meeting of old friends and would be Elks into a surreal, nightmarish, hilariously funny gem. As the drinks, food, and bar tab get bigger with each round (both physically and metaphorically), so do the laughs and the tension, which Webb resolves with a surprisingly tender, touching, and completely satisfying twist at the end. ”

Character Information

While the characters of Alexandra and Cassie are probably white, any or all of the other characters can be played by actors of color and it is requested that the cast be no more than 50% white.

  • BETH, a substantial woman.
    In her mid-thirties (or beyond) and not particularly thrilled about it. She likes to count on things and drinks red wine unless she remembers to order scotch on the rocks. She hates people who take advantage of other people.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • CASSIE, a very small woman.
    Just on either side of forty. She pretty much sticks to white wine. She prides herself on having a balanced view of the world. That way she doesn’t have to really look at her own life, in which she tends to put off or hide under the carpet all the stuff that weighs too heavily, that's too big for her to carry.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • ERIN, a younger woman.
    Somewhere in her twenties. She's needs a martini. And a lot of other things. She sometimes doesn’t pay attention but is thrilled to be included. She spends most of the time questioning herself, and maybe should spend more of it on questioning the people and world around her.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • ALEXANDRA, a dramatic woman.
    Does not admit her age. She gimlets. Enthusiastically. She loves being the center of attention, but is totally willing to admit it, and readily acknowledges the imperative nature of having followers. What she doesn’t admit is ever needing to follow, or feeling like an outsider. Or having needs and feelings in general.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • DIANE, an earnest woman.
    In her thirties. Maybe her forties. Not that this matters to her. She doesn’t really drink much. Maybe she should. Something is maybe telling her she should do lots of things she never thought she would. She listens. And cares deeply. Maybe too deeply. She sees the big picture and loses herself in it.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • ZACH, a youthful-looking man.
    Surprisingly, close to thirty. Maybe even past it. He's a martini guy. On the rocks. Probably because this gives him the impression of being far more grown up than he feels. He’s been waiting a long time for something. But doesn’t quite know what it is.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

Awards