Long Way Down

Two southern women decide to kidnap babies from undeserving parents. Pretty soon, they run out of room for all the children- until one of the women decides there’s room enough for all of the babies in Heaven.

The darkly comic and harrowing story of Maybelline Ferris, a damaged young woman living with her pregnant sister Saralee and her sister's forlorn husband, Duke, in their run-down family...
Two southern women decide to kidnap babies from undeserving parents. Pretty soon, they run out of room for all the children- until one of the women decides there’s room enough for all of the babies in Heaven.

The darkly comic and harrowing story of Maybelline Ferris, a damaged young woman living with her pregnant sister Saralee and her sister's forlorn husband, Duke, in their run-down family home north of Nashville. Maybelline is the survivor of a brutal assault, and her oldest sister Chanelle is in jail for taking revenge on the assailant. As the play begins, Karen, a close friend of Maybelline’s jailed older sister, marches into the house with the news that “Doolee James’ kid came into Kindercastle today with a black eye. Doolee is beating her child.” That accusation starts a chain of events that tear apart the broken little family, and Maybelline soon finds herself on the verge of helping Karen do the unthinkable.
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Long Way Down

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    10 Aug. 2020
    An incredibly compelling story of motherhood when it takes a frightening turn, deadly even. Are these women going to remain together or will actions drive them apart? Captivating and completely terrifying, well done!
  • Dave Osmundsen:
    22 Nov. 2018
    A compelling slow-burn that steadily builds to a harrowing climax that pays off brilliantly. It slowly draws you in and then, before you know it, has grabbed you so hard that you can't stop reading. The dialogue is spot-on and the characters are completely engaging, especially Karen, who is one of the most frightening depictions of a pro-lifer that I've read in a long time. Not for the faint of heart, but highly recommended nonetheless!

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Nashville Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2010
  • Residency
    ,
    Ingram New Works Project / Nashville Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2010

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Collaborative Artists Ensemble Los Angeles
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    3Ps Productions
    ,
    2011

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
The Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award
,
American Theatre Critics Association
,
2011