We Were Happy

by Jennifer O'Grady

Winner, Phillips' Mill Emerging Playwrights Competition 2023

(10-15 Min) Two Italian-American sisters remember growing up on New York's lower Eastside and find that their memories differ. But they were happy there. Maybe.

Winner, Phillips' Mill Emerging Playwrights Competition 2023

(10-15 Min) Two Italian-American sisters remember growing up on New York's lower Eastside and find that their memories differ. But they were happy there. Maybe.

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We Were Happy

Recommended by

  • Claudia Haas: We Were Happy by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    A combination of rose-colored glasses and reality join together in a rich play of memory, truth and maybes. O’Grady deftly mixes the toughness of immigrants blending into their new country with the sweetness of their hopes for the future. There is a twist in these remembrances. Are those times missed? Or best forgotten? Happy can have two edges. A poignant slice of life that rings true today.

    A combination of rose-colored glasses and reality join together in a rich play of memory, truth and maybes. O’Grady deftly mixes the toughness of immigrants blending into their new country with the sweetness of their hopes for the future. There is a twist in these remembrances. Are those times missed? Or best forgotten? Happy can have two edges. A poignant slice of life that rings true today.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: We Were Happy by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    I had the recent pleasure of attending a reading of "We Were Happy" by Jennifer O'Grady. This lovely, fast- place play was a audience favorite. O'Grady captures a true slice of life of two family members whose experiences differed -- or did they? Well done!

    I had the recent pleasure of attending a reading of "We Were Happy" by Jennifer O'Grady. This lovely, fast- place play was a audience favorite. O'Grady captures a true slice of life of two family members whose experiences differed -- or did they? Well done!

    ”
  • Adam Richter: We Were Happy by Jennifer O'Grady
    “

    "We Were Happy" is a funny, snappy and poignant look at memory, siblings and the true nature of what we think of as "the good old days." Jennifer O'Grady imbues these women with charm, wit and wisdom that make them a delight for actresses to play. I had the pleasure of attending a reading of "We Were Happy" and would love to see a full production.

    "We Were Happy" is a funny, snappy and poignant look at memory, siblings and the true nature of what we think of as "the good old days." Jennifer O'Grady imbues these women with charm, wit and wisdom that make them a delight for actresses to play. I had the pleasure of attending a reading of "We Were Happy" and would love to see a full production.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

JENNY and LENA can be played by female actors of any age, race or ethnicity, because what we see on stage is what they'd like us to see.
  • Jenny
    A first-gen Italian-American woman and Lena's sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Lena
    A first-gen Italian-American woman and Jennie's sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Phillips' Mill Community Association, 2023

Awards

  • Emerging Playwrights Competition
    Phillips' Mill Community Association
    Winner
    2023
  • American Lives Theater's Short & Stout
    Selection