Leftovers

by Josh Wilder

Jalil and Kwamaine just want their family to be “Cosby Show happy,” but that kind of life doesn’t seem to be in the cards—until an enormous dandelion sprouts in front of their South Philly home and wishes start falling from the sky. Seizing the possibility of no longer feeling like the city's leftovers, the brothers begin to dream their way out of the cycle of poverty that has governed their lives, and find...

Jalil and Kwamaine just want their family to be “Cosby Show happy,” but that kind of life doesn’t seem to be in the cards—until an enormous dandelion sprouts in front of their South Philly home and wishes start falling from the sky. Seizing the possibility of no longer feeling like the city's leftovers, the brothers begin to dream their way out of the cycle of poverty that has governed their lives, and find themselves on an adventure they never could have imagined.

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Leftovers

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Leftovers

    I thoroughly enjoyed Company One's production of this a few years ago. Wilder explores dreams, coming of age, cycles within family, institutionalized oppression and racism, and friendship with one foot in beautifully-observed realism and the other foot in theatrical, magical realism. Similarly, poignant moments between family members co-exist with hilarious and fantastical conversations with Bill Cosby. The contrasting aesthetics are handled wonderfully here.

    I thoroughly enjoyed Company One's production of this a few years ago. Wilder explores dreams, coming of age, cycles within family, institutionalized oppression and racism, and friendship with one foot in beautifully-observed realism and the other foot in theatrical, magical realism. Similarly, poignant moments between family members co-exist with hilarious and fantastical conversations with Bill Cosby. The contrasting aesthetics are handled wonderfully here.

  • Cheryl Bear: Leftovers

    With a dandelion you can make a wish for your dream life without all of the obstacles. But perfection doesn’t exist. And the real dream come true is to be with the family you have. A lesson in gratitude for the hard work and sacrifice of our family.

    With a dandelion you can make a wish for your dream life without all of the obstacles. But perfection doesn’t exist. And the real dream come true is to be with the family you have. A lesson in gratitude for the hard work and sacrifice of our family.

  • Brian James Polak: Leftovers

    Great play by a great person and playwright. I love the characters in the story and feel deeply for them. It's a fantastic and surreal play about growing up and all the joys and tragedies that can follow kids on the South side of Philly.

    Great play by a great person and playwright. I love the characters in the story and feel deeply for them. It's a fantastic and surreal play about growing up and all the joys and tragedies that can follow kids on the South side of Philly.

View all 10 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Great Plains Theater Conference, Year 2014
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Drama League, Year 2014
  • Type Reading, Organization Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Year 2014
  • Type Reading, Organization The Lark, Year 2013
  • Type Reading, Organization Pillsbury House + Theater, Year 2013
  • Type Reading, Organization The Classical Theatre of Harlem, Year 2012

Production History

Awards

  • Holland New Voices Award
    Great Plains Theatre Conference
    2014