Best Interests

by Donna Hoke

A mutual attraction to a waiter helps mother and son come to terms with their relationships and each other. (If you like this play, please read the award-winning SONS & LOVERS, a full-length comedy that grew out of it.)

A mutual attraction to a waiter helps mother and son come to terms with their relationships and each other. (If you like this play, please read the award-winning SONS & LOVERS, a full-length comedy that grew out of it.)

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Best Interests

Recommended by

  • Bram Hartman: Best Interests

    Multiple instances of laughing out loud really held me through this piece. The mother and son clearly share a very close relationship, but even within their closeness there are things unsaid. Hoke captures very serious topics, but handles them casually and in a relatable way, gripping the audience member to have no choice but to be invested in this story.

    Multiple instances of laughing out loud really held me through this piece. The mother and son clearly share a very close relationship, but even within their closeness there are things unsaid. Hoke captures very serious topics, but handles them casually and in a relatable way, gripping the audience member to have no choice but to be invested in this story.

  • Cheryl Bear: Best Interests

    A fabulous comedy as this mother and son celebrate her birthday and share a dessert! Well done!

    A fabulous comedy as this mother and son celebrate her birthday and share a dessert! Well done!

  • Michael Aman: Best Interests

    Best Interests is a subtle and charming look at a critical juncture in a mother/son relationship. I admire it's light handedness in a fraught situation....exactly what I look for in a short play.

    Best Interests is a subtle and charming look at a critical juncture in a mother/son relationship. I admire it's light handedness in a fraught situation....exactly what I look for in a short play.

Character Information

  • Giancarlo
    A super hot waiter
    Character Age
    20s-30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Ellen
    Separated mother of Bill
    Character Age
    50
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Bill
    gay, almost out but for a conversation with his mother
    Character Age
    26
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Pittsburgh New Works, Year 2015
  • Type Reading, Organization Theatre Oxford, Year 2013

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Buffalo United Artists, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization Women in Theater, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization Seoul Players, Year 2014