Above the Fold

by Julie Zaffarano

Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddleston Rogers III, the son of one of the richest men in the world. Reporter...

Above the Fold is set during the 1935 grand jury investigation of the death of rising musical theater star Evelyn Hoey in Glenmoore Pennsylvania. A group of reporters are covering the grand jury whose job it is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of singer Evelyn Hoey by her lover Henry Huddleston Rogers III, the son of one of the richest men in the world. Reporter Dorothy Walton wants to tell Evelyn’s real story, not a typical hyped-up news story.

“A couple months ago, Evelyn Hoey was a living, breathing person with hopes and dreams and fears. Family that loved her. Toast of the town. How does a woman like that end up with a bullet in her brain?”

Dorothy fights convention to be considered an equal partner with her male colleagues. She has to convince her editor to believe in her and in the importance of telling a truthful story. In addition, Dorothy needs to face her own feelings about her colleague and former lover, Carl, who is also assigned to cover the grand jury.

This is a story of victimization, of truth vs. sensationalism, of justice vs. power, and coping with personal demons.

While the incidents on this play are inspired by real events, this is a work of fiction.

Above the Fold is a 2022 Terrence McNally finalist, a Veterans Repertory finalist, and a Eugene O'Neil Semifinalist.

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Above the Fold

Recommended by

  • Tom Erb: Above the Fold

    “Above the Fold” is a compelling drama set in 1935, exploring themes of truth, power, and sensationalism in journalism. It follows reporter Dorothy Walton’s pursuit of justice for Evelyn Hoey, a Broadway star whose tragic death sparks a grand jury investigation. The play explores the reporters' ethical dilemmas in a male-dominated field as Dorothy grapples with personal and professional conflicts. With sharp dialogue and keen on details. This thought-provoking piece resonates with current debates on media integrity and the pursuit of truth.

    “Above the Fold” is a compelling drama set in 1935, exploring themes of truth, power, and sensationalism in journalism. It follows reporter Dorothy Walton’s pursuit of justice for Evelyn Hoey, a Broadway star whose tragic death sparks a grand jury investigation. The play explores the reporters' ethical dilemmas in a male-dominated field as Dorothy grapples with personal and professional conflicts. With sharp dialogue and keen on details. This thought-provoking piece resonates with current debates on media integrity and the pursuit of truth.

  • Patricia Middleton: Above the Fold

    I had the pleasure of directing this play and would do so again in a heartbeat. It features characters with depth around a historical event that highlighted social issues we still face today. The dialogue is succinct and it was simple to stage. If you're looking for a great script for an ensemble of dramatic actors, consider "Above the Fold" for your stage!

    I had the pleasure of directing this play and would do so again in a heartbeat. It features characters with depth around a historical event that highlighted social issues we still face today. The dialogue is succinct and it was simple to stage. If you're looking for a great script for an ensemble of dramatic actors, consider "Above the Fold" for your stage!

  • Sam Heyman: Above the Fold

    With brisk dialogue, tense moral intrigue, and a lot to say about the ethics of journalism, Above The Fold is a period docudrama that uses its ripped-from-the-headlines premise to the fullest.

    Playwright Julie Zaffarano nails the details of the workplace being described as well as her 1930s setting, crafting a play that takes place in a single room, but which nonetheless feels sprawling and compelling throughout. Excellent, well-researched work!

    With brisk dialogue, tense moral intrigue, and a lot to say about the ethics of journalism, Above The Fold is a period docudrama that uses its ripped-from-the-headlines premise to the fullest.

    Playwright Julie Zaffarano nails the details of the workplace being described as well as her 1930s setting, crafting a play that takes place in a single room, but which nonetheless feels sprawling and compelling throughout. Excellent, well-researched work!

View all 15 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Allen's Lane Theatre, Philadelphia, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization PlayPenn Foundry Workshop and Public Reading, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization Indiana Playwrights Center, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Dramatists Guild, Philadelphia, Year 2021

Production History

Awards

  • New Works of Merit
    New Works of Merit
    Honorable Mention
    2022
  • Artemisia Theatre Series
    Artemisia Theatre
    Winner
    2022
  • Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2022
  • Veterans Repertory Theatre Contest
    Veterans Repertory Theatre
    Finalist
    2022