FULL LENGTH - In 1959, a New York reporter is sent deep into Southern Appalachia to cover the gruesome ax murders of two men. What she finds is a publishing jackpot - a confessed killer with cover girl appeal. An escalating battle for control emerges when the women’s dual pursuit of illicit wealth and lurid public...
FULL LENGTH - In 1959, a New York reporter is sent deep into Southern Appalachia to cover the gruesome ax murders of two men. What she finds is a publishing jackpot - a confessed killer with cover girl appeal. An escalating battle for control emerges when the women’s dual pursuit of illicit wealth and lurid public adoration brings out the Devil in them both.
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To Tread Among Serpents
Recommended by
George Sapio:
15 Aug. 2022
“
An outstanding play. Tense, suspenseful, incisive and chilling characterization. Nothing is obvious and the plot turns with devastating effect. Do NOT get involved. ”
Doug DeVita:
31 Mar. 2021
“
Purple prose and yellow journalism are used to deliciously lurid effect in this endlessly fascinating southern gothic mystery/thriller. McBurnette-Andronicos builds the tension slowly and surely, every now and then throwing in a curve ball to keep us off balance, and ultimately delivers a completely satisfying, sensationally entertaining piece of period Americana, except this sure as hell ain’t Mayberry. I loved every colorful word. ”
Cheryl Bear:
4 Feb. 2021
“
A powerful look into how the media uncovers the truth and then sensationalizes and distorts it for self interest. How does this form of justice look? Excellent. ”
Note on casting: The race/ethnicity of the characters in this play is not prescribed. Casting directors are encouraged to be mindful of the social and cultural landscape of 1959 Alabama, as well as who was most likely to have been in the roles of oppressor and oppressed.
The roles of the JANITOR and LULU LEMOINE are purposefully doubled.
VIOLET HAIGHT
30s,
Female
Pig farmer and murder suspect.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s, 40s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
JUANITA “JC” COHEN
30s and up,
Female
Ambitious New York reporter.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
JASPER “JUNIOR” SCROGGINS
40s and up,
Male
Small town sheriff.
Can be played by:
Age:
40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
JANITOR
30s and up,
Female
Low-level hustler working the county jail. Grandmother of Lulu Lemoine.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s, 40s, 50s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Male
LULU LEMOINE
30s and up,
Female
West Coast attorney and granddaughter of the janitor.
Can be played by:
Age:
30s
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Female
Development History
Reading
,
Curtis Theatre
,
2023
Reading
,
Clamour Theatre
,
2020
Reading
,
Barter Theatre
,
2016
Reading
,
Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette
,
2014
Production History
Professional
,
Third Stone Theatre Company at HB Playwrights Theatre NYC