SONS & LOVERS

by Donna Hoke

Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play

"Hoke's words shine and...

Ellen knows the score--her son is gay and her husband is cheating--but it's so much easier to pretend than to talk about it. It takes fantasy, farce, and one fabulous makeover before the truth flies free, mother and son discover just how much they have in common, and Ellen realizes the reality she's been avoiding most is her own.

Winner, Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play

"Hoke's words shine and sparkle."__Buffalo Theatre Guide

https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/09/sons-lovers-entertains-sold-out-h…

https://artvoice.com/2017/09/26/review-anthony-chase-donna-hokes-sons-l…

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SONS & LOVERS

Recommended by

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: SONS & LOVERS

    The parallel situation between mother and son speaks volumes about what is often unspoken in families. The play culminates in a stunning scene when all secrets are laid bare, and the playwright adroitly handles the emotional devastation that results. Fine characters, innovative storytelling, a sterling work.

    The parallel situation between mother and son speaks volumes about what is often unspoken in families. The play culminates in a stunning scene when all secrets are laid bare, and the playwright adroitly handles the emotional devastation that results. Fine characters, innovative storytelling, a sterling work.

  • David Beardsley: SONS & LOVERS

    I enjoyed reading this play. The dialogue is funny and does a subtle job of communicating the underlying emotional state of characters without being "on the nose."

    I enjoyed reading this play. The dialogue is funny and does a subtle job of communicating the underlying emotional state of characters without being "on the nose."

  • Quinn Xavier Hernandez: SONS & LOVERS

    Donna Hoke delivers a quick-paced and truthful comedy about communication, honesty, love, and loss. With its charming characters, clear message, and simplicity, SONS AND LOVERS is just the right amount of witty, sappy, and heartbreaking to put a smile on your face. #PlaywrightPlug

    Donna Hoke delivers a quick-paced and truthful comedy about communication, honesty, love, and loss. With its charming characters, clear message, and simplicity, SONS AND LOVERS is just the right amount of witty, sappy, and heartbreaking to put a smile on your face. #PlaywrightPlug

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

Marq/Pierre/Giancarlo are triple cast.
Butch/Waiter/Trevi Dude are triple cast.
  • Trevi Dude
    Cliched bad Italian accent, stereotypically Italian
    Character Age
    40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ellen
    A real woman catching up with the world; she is not a model-thin type
    Character Age
    49
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Bill
    Totally out but for a conversation with his mom
    Character Age
    24
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Marq
    Bill's boyfriend who should clearly look older than Bill
    Character Age
    early to mid-30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Butch
    Ellen’s husband, a good-looking, lean, 54-year-old, the kind who appeals to younger women; airplane mechanic
    Character Age
    54
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Giancarlo
    Super hot waiter, Italian with a real Italian accent, not a stereotype
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Pierre
    Super hot hairdresser/makeup artist; French with a real French accent, not a stereotype of either a Frenchman or a gay hairdresser
    Character Age
    30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Waiter
    Cliched bad French accent, stereotypically French
    Character Age
    40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Island City Stage, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Buffalo United Artists , Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Evolution Theatre, Year 2021
  • Type Professional, Organization Buffalo United Artists, Year 2017

Awards

  • Emanuel Fried Award for Oustanding New Play
    Artie Awards
    Winner
    2018
  • IATI Theater Contest
    IATI Theater
    Semi-Finalist
    2016
  • Great Gay Play and Musical Contest
    Pride Films and Plays
    Finalist
    2016