SONS & LOVERS

Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play...
Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play

"Hoke's words shine and sparkle."__Buffalo Theatre Guide

https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/09/sons-lovers-entertains-sold-out-house-at-alleyway-cabaret/

https://artvoice.com/2017/09/26/review-anthony-chase-donna-hokes-sons-lovers/
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SONS & LOVERS

Recommended by

  • Ross Tedford Kendall:
    24 Sep. 2020
    The parallel situation between mother and son speaks volumes about what is often unspoken in families. The play culminates in a stunning scene when all secrets are laid bare, and the playwright adroitly handles the emotional devastation that results. Fine characters, innovative storytelling, a sterling work.
  • David Beardsley:
    19 Apr. 2019
    I enjoyed reading this play. The dialogue is funny and does a subtle job of communicating the underlying emotional state of characters without being "on the nose."
  • Quinn Xavier Hernandez:
    24 Jun. 2018
    Donna Hoke delivers a quick-paced and truthful comedy about communication, honesty, love, and loss. With its charming characters, clear message, and simplicity, SONS AND LOVERS is just the right amount of witty, sappy, and heartbreaking to put a smile on your face. #PlaywrightPlug

Character Information

  • Ellen
    49,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A real woman catching up with the world; she is not a model-thin type
  • Bill
    24,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Totally out but for a conversation with his mom
  • Butch
    54,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Ellen’s husband, a good-looking, lean, 54-year-old, the kind who appeals to younger women; airplane mechanic
  • Marq
    early to mid-30s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Bill's boyfriend who should clearly look older than Bill
  • Waiter
    40s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Cliched bad French accent, stereotypically French
  • Pierre
    30s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Super hot hairdresser/makeup artist; French with a real French accent, not a stereotype of either a Frenchman or a gay hairdresser
  • Trevi Dude
    40s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Cliched bad Italian accent, stereotypically Italian
  • Giancarlo
    30s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Super hot waiter, Italian with a real Italian accent, not a stereotype

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Island City Stage
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    Buffalo United Artists
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Evolution Theatre
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Buffalo United Artists
    ,
    2017

Awards

Winner
,
Emanuel Fried Award for Oustanding New Play
,
Artie Awards
,
2018
Finalist
,
Great Gay Play and Musical Contest
,
Pride Films and Plays
,
2016
Semi-Finalist
,
IATI Theater Contest
,
IATI Theater
,
2016