ELLERY by Jennifer O'Grady

2024 WATERWORKS Finalist/ Bechdel Group Selection / Included in THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES

(Full length) Becca hates her psychic abilities and is being haunted by her dead but still-critical mother 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...
2024 WATERWORKS Finalist/ Bechdel Group Selection / Included in THE BEST WOMEN'S STAGE MONOLOGUES

(Full length) Becca hates her psychic abilities and is being haunted by her dead but still-critical mother 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 see all and try coming to the rescue, but can ghosts help? A play about living responsibly and being different. (Play 2 in The Ghost Trilogy of standalone plays.)
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ELLERY

Recommended by

  • Ken Love:
    20 May. 2024
    “ I've said it once and I'll continue to say it: whether it is the novel, film or a play - the foundation of all literature is character. It's what's remembered when that novel is finished, or that film or play has been seen. Jennifer O'Grady's "Ellery", for me - from a mere reading - is a fine example of this. And was akin to having consumed a feast. Magic realism, drama and "the afterlife" - well-worn themes which are given fresh and exuburent life in this deeply effective play. I enjoyed it from start to finish! ”
  • 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! ”
View all 5 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

Awards

Finalist
,
WATERWORKS Festival
,
Live Arts
,
2024
Selection
,
The Best Women's Stage Monologues
,
Smith and Kraus
Selection
,
The Bechdel Group
Shortlist
,
Gulfshore Playhouse