ON THE ROOF

by Donna Hoke

It’s 1955—post WWII, amid McCarthyism, years before Stonewall. In this dangerous and difficult era, Mitzi operates a cabaret and gay bar where Cruz, a playboy bartender; Levi, an aspiring Broadway composer; Bob, a WWII vet; and Mac, a guy who just wants camaraderie with his Coke, find solidarity in relative safety.

When Andy, an idealistic newcomer with a law degree, discovers their sanctuary, it opens his...

It’s 1955—post WWII, amid McCarthyism, years before Stonewall. In this dangerous and difficult era, Mitzi operates a cabaret and gay bar where Cruz, a playboy bartender; Levi, an aspiring Broadway composer; Bob, a WWII vet; and Mac, a guy who just wants camaraderie with his Coke, find solidarity in relative safety.

When Andy, an idealistic newcomer with a law degree, discovers their sanctuary, it opens his eyes not just to other men like him, but to the oppression they're hiding from. Andy challenges them--particularly Bob, with whom he's found a connection--about their complacency, but the men are unable to do more than fantasize about a different future.

With or without them, Andy's sense of justice propels him out the door to a Mattachine meeting. En route, he's set up by a cop who beats and arrests him. When Andy sacrifices himself to shield his friends, they and Mitzi are forced to figure out what matters to them most as they take the brave first steps toward revolution.

(Note: As ON THE ROOF takes place in a cabaret, it is a play with two and a half diagetic songs,but not a musical.)

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ON THE ROOF

Recommended by

  • Caroline Russell-King: ON THE ROOF

    A dazzling play by a gifted playwright

    A dazzling play by a gifted playwright

  • Ben Moran: ON THE ROOF

    I love this play. The first time I read it I laughed, cried, got goosebumps and chills and I felt seen and heard, in a really wonderful way. It's a beautiful and uplifting story, a drama that makes you feel fondness for our predecessors and hope for our future. This is the kind of play that should be produced more often in the mainstream, outside of LGBTQ theaters/venues/festivals. It's a treasure of a piece of theater that effortlessly bridges the gap between willful ignorance and unconditional compassion that so many of the oppressed long for in our societies.

    I love this play. The first time I read it I laughed, cried, got goosebumps and chills and I felt seen and heard, in a really wonderful way. It's a beautiful and uplifting story, a drama that makes you feel fondness for our predecessors and hope for our future. This is the kind of play that should be produced more often in the mainstream, outside of LGBTQ theaters/venues/festivals. It's a treasure of a piece of theater that effortlessly bridges the gap between willful ignorance and unconditional compassion that so many of the oppressed long for in our societies.

  • Scott Sickles: ON THE ROOF

    History often goes unappreciated, no more than in the LGBTQ subculture. It often seems queer people under a certain age have no understanding or appreciation of what it took to get here. That’s why plays like TORCH SONG, BOYS IN THE BAND, and ON THE ROOF are so damn important right now. Hoke creates a vivid portrayal of what gay men in particular (but not exclusively) went through not too long ago. Deeply personal, beautifully individuated, and astonishingly atmospheric, it’s a portal to an oppressive past by which we can evaluate the present and prepare the future.

    History often goes unappreciated, no more than in the LGBTQ subculture. It often seems queer people under a certain age have no understanding or appreciation of what it took to get here. That’s why plays like TORCH SONG, BOYS IN THE BAND, and ON THE ROOF are so damn important right now. Hoke creates a vivid portrayal of what gay men in particular (but not exclusively) went through not too long ago. Deeply personal, beautifully individuated, and astonishingly atmospheric, it’s a portal to an oppressive past by which we can evaluate the present and prepare the future.

View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

CASTING NOTE: It is best to have two male swings; if you do, split the male swing roles as follows.

MAN #1: Plays customer Harold, drag queen Jai Bobo, George, Joe, Frank

MAN #2: Plays cop, officer, investigator, mobster, Cruz’s father And of course, colleges, community theaters, or anyone else may feel free to cast any or all male and swing roles individually, as they are not doubled for thematic purposes.
  • Andy/Andrew
    In 1955, Andy is a privileged innocent trying to come to terms. In present day, ANDREW is Robert’s fiance.
    Character Age
    early-to-mid-twenties
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Cruz
    Bartender, extremely attractive and masculine
    Character Age
    mid-to-late-twenties
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx
  • Mac
    Stalwart, knowledgeablem and careful
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Swing Woman
    Plays realtor, customer Alice, fortune teller Myra, reporter
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Male Swing(s)--can be one or two
    MAN #1: Plays customer Harold, drag queen Jai Bobo, George, Joe, Frank

    MAN #2: Plays cop, officer, investigator, mobster, Cruz’s father; must be able to believably speak Spanish
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    latinx or white
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Levi
    A nebbish who wishes he were a mensch
    Character Age
    40
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Mitzi
    Owner of Mitzi’s roof, cabaret singer
    Character Age
    50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Bob/Robert
    BOB is a romantic war vet with a limp; in present day, ROBERT is an engaged doctor.
    Character Age
    mid-to-late 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Post-Industrial Productions, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, Organization Queens Theatre, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization Celebration Theatre, Year 2016
  • Type Reading, Organization 5th Wall Productions, Year 2016
  • Type Reading, Organization Buffalo United Artists, Year 2015

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Song "Winds of Change" performed as part of Rainbow Project, Year 2019

Awards

  • Carlo Annoni Prize
    Finalist
    2021