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 by Donna Hoke
    “

    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 by Donna Hoke
    “

    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 by Donna Hoke
    “

    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

  • Ellen
    Separated mother of Bill
    50
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Bill
    gay, almost out but for a conversation with his mother
    26
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Giancarlo
    A super hot waiter
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Pittsburgh New Works, 2015
  • Reading, Theatre Oxford, 2013

Production History

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