FIXED

by David Lee White

*Fixed was originally commissioned by the NJPAC Stage Exchange, a program of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center – John Schreiber, President & CEO*

Back in high school, Ronnie, Val and Daryl made a vow to take care of one another if any of them got sick. When Ronnie's abusive homelife and mental illness test their vows, the three separate to start new lives. Years later, when Ronnie is found wandering the streets of Trenton, NJ, Daryl and Val reluctantly reunite to try to get Ronnie the treatment she should have gotten years ago. In the process, old wounds are reopened, and the three friends are forced to confront how they failed one another in the past, as well as the need to forgive one another in the present.

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FIXED

Recommended by

Cheryl Bear: FIXED by David Lee White

“

A powerful and moving story about friendship and mental health that will stay with you. Well done.

A powerful and moving story about friendship and mental health that will stay with you. Well done.

”
Ignition Arts: FIXED by David Lee White

“

A well-crafted four hander navigating the landmines of mental illness and friendship - the pacts we make before the world ruins us, the mistakes that follow when the world does, and the promise of healing once we build our own worlds. Dynamic time-lapsing story, based on true accounts.

A well-crafted four hander navigating the landmines of mental illness and friendship - the pacts we make before the world ruins us, the mistakes that follow when the world does, and the promise of healing once we build our own worlds. Dynamic time-lapsing story, based on true accounts.

”
Ian August: FIXED by David Lee White

“

Mr. White's play FIXED is a dramatic departure from his previous work--it is far more intentional than his family comedy BLOOD, or his mysterious satire SLIPPERY AS SIN. FIXED accomplishes two things expertly--it is entertaining and engaging in the way only Mr. White can be, but it is also informative and stimulating. The character of Ronnie, who suffers from schitzoaffective disorder, is gorgeously realized--terrifying, pitiful, strong, romantic--she is probably one of the most fully realized characters in Mr. White's impressive canon.

Mr. White's play FIXED is a dramatic departure from his previous work--it is far more intentional than his family comedy BLOOD, or his mysterious satire SLIPPERY AS SIN. FIXED accomplishes two things expertly--it is entertaining and engaging in the way only Mr. White can be, but it is also informative and stimulating. The character of Ronnie, who suffers from schitzoaffective disorder, is gorgeously realized--terrifying, pitiful, strong, romantic--she is probably one of the most fully realized characters in Mr. White's impressive canon.

”

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

Daryl

Ronnie’s other best friend from high school. An attorney in Trenton, NJ

Character Age

18 and mid-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Janine

A mental health caseworker.

Character Age

30s-60s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Ronnie

A woman in her mid-30s suffering from schizoaffective disorder.

Character Age

18 and mid-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Val

One of Ronnie’s best friends from high school. Currently an actress.

Character Age

18 and mid-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female

Development History

Type Reading, Organization NJPAC, Year 2016
Type Workshop, Organization Yendor Productions, Year 2016
Type Commission, Organization New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Year 2015

Production History

Type Professional, Organization Solid Lines Theatre, Year 2020
Type Professional, Organization Passage Theatre, Year 2017

Genre

drama

Subject Matter Keywords

Mental Health,

mental illness,

bipolar disorder

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

Age of Intended Audience

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Supporting Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0tcHL5q6d4

Reviews

The Princeton Packet

“
With his new play, “Fixed,” David Lee White is aiming to write effectively and believably about mental illness. I’m no expert, but this story rings true.
”
Philadelphia Inquirer

“
Where mental illness is concerned, it’s too easy to be wrong. Fixed explores whether anything can ever be right, and, where friends are involved, what “fixed” can even mean
”
NJ Advanced Media

“
…at the center of this play remains a unique, creative glimpse into a too often unexplored realm of the mind.
”
Broadstreet Review

“
While Fixed doesn’t shy away from the ugliness and messiness of mental illness, White’s story is ultimately positive, stressing the importance of caring people who can intercede for the mentally ill.
”