Body Beautiful

Thayer and Emma used to be married then split up when Thayer realized he was gay. Over time they forged a close friendship. When the play begins they are in their early 70s and single so they decide to move in together to take care of each other in their old age. Emma is still secretly in love with Thayer but does her best to hide it - until Thayer unexpectedly falls in love with one of his patients - a trans...

Thayer and Emma used to be married then split up when Thayer realized he was gay. Over time they forged a close friendship. When the play begins they are in their early 70s and single so they decide to move in together to take care of each other in their old age. Emma is still secretly in love with Thayer but does her best to hide it - until Thayer unexpectedly falls in love with one of his patients - a trans man struggling to come to terms with the son who disowned him - throwing love, aging, loyalty and gender identity into question for all concerned.

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Body Beautiful

Recommended by

  • Jennifer Maisel: Body Beautiful

    A love story for the ages - and for this very moment in time. Exploring the complexities of marriage, parenthood and friendship amongst of cadre of people who struggle to be their true selves, Body Beautiful offers compelling complex characters that we almost never see - such a rich opportunity for theatres and actors. What a joy to see the intricacies, upsides and downsides of love so beautifully portrayed.

    A love story for the ages - and for this very moment in time. Exploring the complexities of marriage, parenthood and friendship amongst of cadre of people who struggle to be their true selves, Body Beautiful offers compelling complex characters that we almost never see - such a rich opportunity for theatres and actors. What a joy to see the intricacies, upsides and downsides of love so beautifully portrayed.

  • Carol Lashof: Body Beautiful

    BODY BEAUTIFUL tells a brave, often funny, and always compelling story about loyalties tested and trust stretched to the breaking point. Playwright Leigh Curran has created a fascinating quartet of characters, each driven by fears and desires that anyone can relate to and yet each unique in their circumstances and identity. I found myself rooting for them all - even when they made questionable choices and even when their objectives were at odds. Great roles for actors!

    BODY BEAUTIFUL tells a brave, often funny, and always compelling story about loyalties tested and trust stretched to the breaking point. Playwright Leigh Curran has created a fascinating quartet of characters, each driven by fears and desires that anyone can relate to and yet each unique in their circumstances and identity. I found myself rooting for them all - even when they made questionable choices and even when their objectives were at odds. Great roles for actors!

  • Tracy Brigden: Body Beautiful

    BODY BEAUTIFUL is a smart, funny, surprising and very warm story of love, loss and forgiveness. Each character is unique, wonderfully likable and completely relatable. The centerpiece of the story is an older, formerly married couple - he now prefers the company of men - though they are each other's forever best friends. When a newly transgendered man comes into their lives their bond is tested. The deep love and respect at the core of this central relationship, and the lovingly warm and funny depiction of the passions between the three are rare, particularly for this age group.

    BODY BEAUTIFUL is a smart, funny, surprising and very warm story of love, loss and forgiveness. Each character is unique, wonderfully likable and completely relatable. The centerpiece of the story is an older, formerly married couple - he now prefers the company of men - though they are each other's forever best friends. When a newly transgendered man comes into their lives their bond is tested. The deep love and respect at the core of this central relationship, and the lovingly warm and funny depiction of the passions between the three are rare, particularly for this age group.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization FemFest Reading Series at Fountain Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Fountain Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Reading, , Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization HB Studios, New York City, NY - Elinor Renfield, director - with Austin Pendleton, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Fountain Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - Tim Landfield, director, Year 2017