The Lucky Ones by Lia Romeo

Vanessa and Janie are best friends… until a devastating diagnosis forces them to consider what that friendship means and how much it matters. Vanessa is sick, and she’s getting sicker, while Janie is embarking on a new love affair. As Janie tries to balance her role as a caretaker with her dreams for her own future, the cracks in the friendship begin to emerge. An exploration of aging, mortality, and the...
Vanessa and Janie are best friends… until a devastating diagnosis forces them to consider what that friendship means and how much it matters. Vanessa is sick, and she’s getting sicker, while Janie is embarking on a new love affair. As Janie tries to balance her role as a caretaker with her dreams for her own future, the cracks in the friendship begin to emerge. An exploration of aging, mortality, and the value and complexity of female friendship in a patriarchal society.
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The Lucky Ones

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    26 May. 2021
    “ A powerful story of the friendship between two women as they make their way through life and the changes that come. Well done. ”
  • Jerry Polner:
    2 Mar. 2021
    “ The Lucky Ones is a sad, funny, beautifully written play about a pair of mismatched friends who are not quite able to outrun the larger world around them. A jarring diagnosis from a barely cogent doctor forces each of the women to take on a new, discomforting role in their relationship. Produce this play! ”
  • Nandita Shenoy:
    20 Apr. 2020
    “ I loved this play for its exploration of female friendship which is so often portrayed as toxic. These characters are flawed humans who love each other fiercely even when they hurt each other or don't agree with each other's choices. A beautiful portrait of love that doesn't fall under the title of romance. ”
View all 7 recommendations

JANIE, early 40s, Vanessa’s best friend
VANESSA, early 40s, Janie’s best friend
THE MAN, 30s to 50s, who plays all of the male parts

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Writers' Theatre of New Jersey
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    The Brooklyn Generator
    ,
    2018

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Misfits Theatre Company, Boulder, CO
    ,
    2021
  • Professional
    ,
    Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2019

Awards

Kilroys List
,
The Kilroys
,
2020
Finalist
,
O'Neill National Playwrights Conference
,
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
,
2019