Politically Erect

by Ryan Michael Dunn

When queer college student Eric finds out his homophobic dad plans to participate in an attack on the White House, he must navigate a toxic Thanksgiving dinner to convince him not to. The problem? When politics comes up, Eric gets a raging hard-on. Can he stop his dad without outing himself?

When queer college student Eric finds out his homophobic dad plans to participate in an attack on the White House, he must navigate a toxic Thanksgiving dinner to convince him not to. The problem? When politics comes up, Eric gets a raging hard-on. Can he stop his dad without outing himself?

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Politically Erect

Recommended by

  • Michael Tricca: Politically Erect by Ryan Michael Dunn
    “

    Politically Erect is an absurd, satirical romp which tears into a political system which is equally absurd. The glee with which Ryan Michael Dunn exposes modern hypocrisy is evident throughout, with laughter to be had in equal measure.

    Politically Erect is an absurd, satirical romp which tears into a political system which is equally absurd. The glee with which Ryan Michael Dunn exposes modern hypocrisy is evident throughout, with laughter to be had in equal measure.

    ”
  • Izzy Salant: Politically Erect by Ryan Michael Dunn
    “

    Ryan Michael Dunn never ceases to make his audience laugh, and Politically Erect is proof of that. In this brilliant satirical farce, Dunn manages to build a whole world and bring it to execution in just one act, and keeps you guessing and laughing the whole time. I hope everyone gets a chance to read and see this piece.

    Ryan Michael Dunn never ceases to make his audience laugh, and Politically Erect is proof of that. In this brilliant satirical farce, Dunn manages to build a whole world and bring it to execution in just one act, and keeps you guessing and laughing the whole time. I hope everyone gets a chance to read and see this piece.

    ”

Character Information

4M, 3W (IDA may be played by a performer in drag)
  • Lori
    Eric’s and Jen’s mom and Jim’s ex-wife. Burnt out from putting on the facade that their marriage is still going for Ida’s benefit. She cheated on Jim with David A.
    Mid-50s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • DAVID A
    Partner at his law firm, David is the man who Lori had her affair with.
    Mid-50s
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • DAVID B
    The intern David A tricks into joining him at Thanksgiving.
    28
    Male or NB
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Eric
    A queer college student who has recently “discovered” himself.
    20
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Jen
    Eric’s older sister who’s been taking the scenic route through college.
    25
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ida
    Jim’s mom. So old Jurassic Park brings back memories. Could be played by a performer in drag.
    80+
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
  • Jim
    Eric’s and Jen’s dad. Watches Fox News like his life depends on it, which he thinks it does.
    Mid-50s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Ghost Light Theater, 2020
  • Reading, UMass Playwrights, 2019

Production History

  • University, Coastal Carolina U Theater, 2023