The Last Good Night

A trip down memory lane leads to The Nutcracker.

A trip down memory lane leads to The Nutcracker.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

The Last Good Night

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor: The Last Good Night

    So many families include attending a production of The Nutcracker as part of their most cherished holiday traditions. This memory play jumps between two timelines, exploring one woman's relationship to the concept of family tradition, and why it can be so fraught for some. I found the ending incredibly cathartic, as the protagonist takes pains to break a toxic cycle and attempts to fix something long broken—not unlike a certain girl and her nutcracker. For a short play, it has an epic feel, with flexible, bare-bones staging that adds to the story rather than taking away. Magical!

    So many families include attending a production of The Nutcracker as part of their most cherished holiday traditions. This memory play jumps between two timelines, exploring one woman's relationship to the concept of family tradition, and why it can be so fraught for some. I found the ending incredibly cathartic, as the protagonist takes pains to break a toxic cycle and attempts to fix something long broken—not unlike a certain girl and her nutcracker. For a short play, it has an epic feel, with flexible, bare-bones staging that adds to the story rather than taking away. Magical!

Character Information

  • Genevieve
    Thoughtful. Puts a lot of pressure on herself. Also plays Dmitra, 35-40, married to John, mother of Jenny and Johnny.
    Character Age
    28-32
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Peter
    Same age as his fiancée, Genevieve. Loving and kind. Also plays John, 35-40, Dmitra's husband, Jenny and Johnny's father. John is the polar opposite of Peter.
    Character Age
    28-32
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Jenny
    Dmitra and John's daughter, Johnny's sister. Currently experiencing growing pains and being a bit of a brat.
    Character Age
    10
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Johnny
    Dmitra and John's son, Jenny's brother. When he's not picking on his little sister, he's ignoring her. Eager to grow up.
    Character Age
    12
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male