DOUBLEWIDE by Stephen Spotswood

Jim Starkey's version of the American Dream is a modest one: to build a home on his one-acre plot of land, replacing his doublewide trailer with something his daughter, Lorelai, can eventually inherit. When a highway expansion project threatens that plan, Jim finds himself reluctantly thrust into the public eye. Meanwhile, Lorelai is trying to discover what she wants her own future to look like. Will it...
Jim Starkey's version of the American Dream is a modest one: to build a home on his one-acre plot of land, replacing his doublewide trailer with something his daughter, Lorelai, can eventually inherit. When a highway expansion project threatens that plan, Jim finds himself reluctantly thrust into the public eye. Meanwhile, Lorelai is trying to discover what she wants her own future to look like. Will it look like her parents' or something very different? And will the world let her have a choice in the matter? When a tragic accident throws a dark shadow over the family’s future. Jim is left wondering what happened to his now-broken dream, while Lorelai is left to build her own future out of the pieces.
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DOUBLEWIDE

Recommended by

  • Donna Gordon:
    22 Nov. 2023
    “ "Doublewide" has a tone of acceptance but not resignation (think "Our Town") There's a sweetness in this family that denies this play the critical spirit it could reveal. Yes, it is a commentary on the social strata that might keep this family in a double wide regardless of their hard work. But the love and care in the family keeps them from bitterness. The writing is witty and realistic and flowed beautifully. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    30 Jan. 2021
    “ A powerful, moving play about the American dream and the struggle to spend this one life well. Excellent work. ”
  • Bridget Grace Sheaff:
    2 Jul. 2020
    “ Everything that has been said here in the recommendations is spot on. I recognized a life I don't often get to see depicted onstage in this piece. As a born and raised Midwesterner, I was so relieved to read something that didn't pander, didn't judge, but with compassion and gentleness asks it's audience and it's characters to take a breath together and assume the best of their neighbors.
    Add this to your next season. ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • Big Jim
    late 30s,
    Male
    Works in a soda manufacturing plant and has since he was 18. He’s managed to buy an acre of land and a doublewide that he and his family have lived in for most of his marriage. He wants to build a house there someday.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Lorelai
    17,
    Female
    the daughter; a high school junior with a love for music. A little punk, but not emo. Rougher than that--leather and denim and worn-through band T-shirts, but not afraid to take some advice from Teen Vogue. Still searching for her own future.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Sharon
    late 30s,
    Female
    On her feet all day working at Walmart. Went from night staff to stocking shelves to cashier, and has spent years waiting in vain to move up to management. She’s looking for something better.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Coral
    60s,
    Female
    a widowed retiree living off Social Security and her husband’s pension. She spends a lot of her day at the casino paying slots. She’s got a system.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Chuck
    17,
    Male
    Lorelai’s tutor; a high school senior; a medium-sized academic fish in a tiny pond. He’s sincere and smart, but a couple important steps behind Lorelai when it comes to emotional maturity.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Florida Rep Theatre
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Gulfshore Playhouse New Works Festival
    ,
    2014

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Vermont Stage
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Williamston Theatre
    ,
    2018
  • Professional
    ,
    Florida Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Florida Studio Theatre
    ,
    2017