JUGGLING WITH MR. FIELDS

by Jennifer O'Grady

Finalist, Southwest Theatre Productions New Play Contest

(Full length) In 1940s Hollywood, aging, irreverent, wealthy, nearly-alcoholic movie star W. C. Fields--shunned by film studios and eager for work--grudgingly hires a young English manservant to help get his life in order, while Fields' live-in girlfriend Carlotta and rising-actor friend Anthony Quinn vie for his attentions. But new servant Rodney brings...

Finalist, Southwest Theatre Productions New Play Contest

(Full length) In 1940s Hollywood, aging, irreverent, wealthy, nearly-alcoholic movie star W. C. Fields--shunned by film studios and eager for work--grudgingly hires a young English manservant to help get his life in order, while Fields' live-in girlfriend Carlotta and rising-actor friend Anthony Quinn vie for his attentions. But new servant Rodney brings a secret link to the past, in this imagined look at the hidden side of an iconic film star and new play about longing and belong.

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JUGGLING WITH MR. FIELDS

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: JUGGLING WITH MR. FIELDS

    I just love a play that brings history to life and that is exactly what Jennifer has done here. The play not only draws the audience into this particular story but makes you want to know more about the period, and that's what makes it a fascinating piece. The characters and their relationship are made to feel so wonderfully real as we are guided through this wonderfully interesting story interlaced with moments that will capture an audience and make them want to know more about the era!

    I just love a play that brings history to life and that is exactly what Jennifer has done here. The play not only draws the audience into this particular story but makes you want to know more about the period, and that's what makes it a fascinating piece. The characters and their relationship are made to feel so wonderfully real as we are guided through this wonderfully interesting story interlaced with moments that will capture an audience and make them want to know more about the era!

  • Morey Norkin: JUGGLING WITH MR. FIELDS

    What a fascinating look at the later years of W.C. Fields’ life and relationships. Fields’ curmudgeonly on-screen persona often blends with his off-screen life, but as we see here he is desperate not to be alone. Jennifer O’Grady does a terrific job portraying the symbiotic relationships between Fields and sometimes live-in girlfriend Carlotta Monti and Fields and a young Anthony Quinn. As age and alcohol diminish his skills and opportunities, Fields seems destined to end his days alone. O’Grady provides a touching conclusion to this extraordinary.

    What a fascinating look at the later years of W.C. Fields’ life and relationships. Fields’ curmudgeonly on-screen persona often blends with his off-screen life, but as we see here he is desperate not to be alone. Jennifer O’Grady does a terrific job portraying the symbiotic relationships between Fields and sometimes live-in girlfriend Carlotta Monti and Fields and a young Anthony Quinn. As age and alcohol diminish his skills and opportunities, Fields seems destined to end his days alone. O’Grady provides a touching conclusion to this extraordinary.

  • Julie Zaffarano: JUGGLING WITH MR. FIELDS

    ”Juggling with Mr. Fields” is seeing a legend come to life. Jennifer O’Grady deftly shows W.C. Fields as a man past his prime, indulging in self-sabotage in career and relationships. In this play, Fields is not just a man on the screen, but a living, breathing person whom we grow to care about as if he were our own grandpa. Well done.

    ”Juggling with Mr. Fields” is seeing a legend come to life. Jennifer O’Grady deftly shows W.C. Fields as a man past his prime, indulging in self-sabotage in career and relationships. In this play, Fields is not just a man on the screen, but a living, breathing person whom we grow to care about as if he were our own grandpa. Well done.

View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

  • Anthony Quinn
    Character Age
    Late 20s.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx,
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Carlotta
    Character Age
    Early 30s.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Latinx,
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • W.C. Fields
    Character Age
    Mid-60s
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Rodney
    Character Age
    Mid-20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    British
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Twilight Theatre Productions, Aurora, KY (Charles Edward Hall, dir.),

Awards

  • Southwest Theatre Productions New Play Contest
    Finalist
    2020
  • World Premiere Club
    Applause Theater & Cinema Books
    Selection
  • Nominee
    The Kilroys List
  • January Reading
    Twilight Theatre Productions
    Selection