ADULTS (short stage version)

by Maizy Broderick Scarpa

In the wake of their mother's death, two middle-aged sisters navigate feelings, friendship, and funeral logistics. Like anyone who has loved, lost, and/or "had it up to here" with family, this dramedy asks: "Who are you supposed to call when someone dies?" "Was it my fault?" "Are you wearing my shirt again?!"

Overachiever Maggie––who has just arrived expecting a normal visit––pivots into planning mode, making...

In the wake of their mother's death, two middle-aged sisters navigate feelings, friendship, and funeral logistics. Like anyone who has loved, lost, and/or "had it up to here" with family, this dramedy asks: "Who are you supposed to call when someone dies?" "Was it my fault?" "Are you wearing my shirt again?!"

Overachiever Maggie––who has just arrived expecting a normal visit––pivots into planning mode, making breakfast and to-do lists at breakneck speed. Her younger sister, by contrast, slows to a catatonic halt. (Bookish Jo is not afraid to feel her feelings––and as Mom's primary caretaker, she has a lot of them!) In real-time and through flashbacks, the sisters grapple with their relationship with each other, their larger-than-life mother, and themselves. Will the bond that's tethered them since childhood survive the seismic shift?

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ADULTS (short stage version)

Recommended by

  • Adrianna True: ADULTS (short stage version)

    This script is super funny, relatable, and engaging. What a gem of a play!

    This script is super funny, relatable, and engaging. What a gem of a play!

Character Information

Characters can be any race/ethnicity, and do not need to be the same race/ethnicity as each other; families look all sorts of ways, and the text makes it clear that they are sisters. Chemistry is more important than physical resemblance.
  • Maggie
    A little bit older than JO.
    Character Age
    50s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female-identifying
  • Jo
    A little bit younger than MAGGIE.
    Character Age
    50s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female-identifying

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Albany Civic Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Shakespeare & Company Fringe, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization Women's Shorts, Year 2017