THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE 1-87 IN WESTCHESTER

by Gina Femia

Kevin owns a Romance Depot. Beth needs a vibrator. The two of them form an unlikely relationship that straddles the line between friendship and romance. What happens when two lonely people find one another?

Kevin owns a Romance Depot. Beth needs a vibrator. The two of them form an unlikely relationship that straddles the line between friendship and romance. What happens when two lonely people find one another?

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE 1-87 IN WESTCHESTER

Recommended by

  • Omer Abbas Salem: THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE 1-87 IN WESTCHESTER by Gina Femia
    “

    How is this play not produced everywhere? It's so funny and heartwrenching. Gina is a genius.

    How is this play not produced everywhere? It's so funny and heartwrenching. Gina is a genius.

    ”
  • Max Moline: THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE 1-87 IN WESTCHESTER by Gina Femia
    “

    This play speaks to human connection, love and how we conflate the two so powerfully. One of my favorite plays, not just on this site, but that I've ever read. It's on my bucket list of plays I want to direct, and it should be on yours as well.

    This play speaks to human connection, love and how we conflate the two so powerfully. One of my favorite plays, not just on this site, but that I've ever read. It's on my bucket list of plays I want to direct, and it should be on yours as well.

    ”
  • Alexa Rowe: THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE 1-87 IN WESTCHESTER by Gina Femia
    “

    I have read every single one of Femia's plays, but somehow I think this one is my favorite. This play is absolutely outstanding in every single way. I would kill to see this beautiful and emotional and funny and sweet play about a sex shop staged. The set is just as much a convention of the play as its strong female characters.

    I have read every single one of Femia's plays, but somehow I think this one is my favorite. This play is absolutely outstanding in every single way. I would kill to see this beautiful and emotional and funny and sweet play about a sex shop staged. The set is just as much a convention of the play as its strong female characters.

    ”
View all 30 recommendations

Character Information

  • Kevin
    Plain.
    late 40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Beth
    Pristine.
    early 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Janice
    early 20s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Tom
    early 60s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, The Goodman Theater , 2022
  • Workshop, Forestburgh Playhouse, 2021
  • Workshop, The Playwrights Center , 2021
  • Reading, Mirrorbox Theater, 2020
  • Workshop, Panndora Productions, 2019
  • Workshop, Ensemble Studio Theatre, 2018
  • Reading, Panndora Productions, 2018
  • Reading, Lather, Rinse, Repeat, 2017

Awards

  • Shortlist, Yale Drama Prize
    2024
  • The Kilroys List
    Honorable Mention
    2019
  • Readings in Progress
    Unicorn Theatre
    Finalist
    2019
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • New Play Festival
    Premiere Stages at Kean University
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • Blue Ink Playwriting Award
    American Blue Ink
    Semi-Finalist
    2019
  • Phoenix Theatre Festival
    Finalist
    2018
  • DVRF Playwrights Program
    Dennic and Victoria Ross Foundation
    Finalist
    2018