ELLERY by Jennifer O'Grady

Bechdel Group Reading Workshop Selection / Included in THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES

(Full length) Becca's life sucks--she hates her psychic abilities and is being haunted by her dead but still-critical mom and dead grandmother, for reasons none of them understands. When a dead young woman appears and pleads confusingly for help, Becca turns away--but unwittingly gives her best...
Bechdel Group Reading Workshop Selection / Included in THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES

(Full length) Becca's life sucks--she hates her psychic abilities and is being haunted by her dead but still-critical mom and dead grandmother, for reasons none of them understands. When a dead young woman appears and pleads confusingly for help, Becca turns away--but unwittingly gives her best friend the chance to pursue a dangerous course that could harm Becca and another living woman. Mom Linda and Grandma Ida try coming to the rescue, but how can ghosts possibly impact the living? A play about living responsibly and being different. (Play 2 in The Ghost Trilogy of standalone plays)
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ELLERY

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    15 Sep. 2023
    “ So, despite the central situation being an unusual one Jennifer makes the characters and the way they talk about the unusual situation they have found themselves in seem very real. The relationships between Becca and her family and friends draws you in as an audience and then further intriegue and tension is added making this a play you can't fail to get invested in. Plus the fact that it offers wonderful roles for women is just icing on a lovely constructed cake! Produce this to give actresses of multiple ages the chance to play some fabulous characters! ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn:
    6 Dec. 2020
    “ This is a great paranormal, mystery that had me leaning in and eager to see what happened next! The characters are all very likeable and well developed. Many strong roles for female-identifying actors of all ages! Designers will have a blast creating theatrical magic. I truly enjoyed this piece! ”
  • Christine Foster:
    23 Apr. 2020
    “ Entertaining and clever with strong (intergenerational) parts for women - crafted and plotted with skill, suspense, irony, and great dialogue. And it's about the supernatural and life and death and philosophy and relationships and all sorts of things that matter. ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Roles for 5W (late teens to 70s), 1M (20s). THE GIRL is silent and uses mime throughout.

  • Becca
    24
    A sensitive (can see and hear dead people).
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Linda
    52
    Her mother. Dead.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Ida
    76
    Her grandmother. Dead.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Liesel
    25
    Her friend.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Dominic
    26
    A police officer.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • The Girl
    Late teens.
    Dead. Wet hair and clothing.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Bechdel Group
    ,
    2019

Awards

Selection
,
The Bechdel Group
,
2019
Selection
,
The Best Women's Stage Monologues
,
Smith and Kraus
,
2017
Shortlist
,
Gulfshore Playhouse