←Recommendations of 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.

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!

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!

Centered around the real-life investigation into the death of theater star Evelyn Hoey, "Above the Fold" delves into how sensationalism sells newspapers, how the narrative is controlled by those with money, and how much harder women have to work to be taken half as seriously as men. I loved the fast-paced dialogue, and the ending was perfect.

Above the Fold is a fast-paced and sharp play that grapples with sensationalism, gender inequality, and the morality and ethics of journalism. In the challenge of getting their story above the fold we're swept up in the reweaving and unweaving of not just Evelyn Hoey, but the person who's tasked with telling her real story - Dorothy. This play offers a lovely dissection of the power of words and the responsibility of those who wield them.

JULIE ZAFFARANO’s play about the reporting of the death of a rising movie star is so well-written. Throughout the play, I was totally engrossed. This play has so many layers: Truth telling versus sensationalism to sell papers; women fighting for equal treatment in a ‘man’s world‘; the wealthy controlling events to hide their shady lives; seeking fame; deciding what’s more important: writing an “Above The Fold” (title of play) story or honoring secrets told in confidence. What a wonderful play! I so enjoyed reading it! Bravo!!!

I was blessed to have been involved in a virtual reading of this show and it is incredibly powerful. The characters are beautifully and believably flawed and the chemistry between each of the characters is unique and allows for some wonderfully crafted dialogue. This play is witty, fast-paced, and while it takes place in the 1930s, the message is incredibly poignant for our media policies today. This is a phenomenal piece for the stage and absolutely should be produced!

I was lucky enough to hear a reading of Above the Fold with the Indiana Playwrights Circle. Julie Zaffarano captures the spirit and feel of the 1930s with her sharp dialogue and relentless pace. The historical nature of the piece gives it depth, but what I really like about the play is the commentary it makes on the news business and the ethical murkiness within it. The characters have high stakes, and you hang on every line. I'd love to see this on stage. Bravo!

Above the Fold transports us right into the middle of a reporters room. It is so well written, that it fills your senses with the anxiety of getting the story and smelling the coffee to keep them going. The characters each have their own intention, so the stakes are high. But at the heart of the story, is the compassion that characters learn for a woman whose life was drastically taken.

As a fan of historical plays, this one absolutely captivated me. The characters all feel full and vibrant, and I loved the questionable journalistic ethics sprinkled throughout the work. Compelling dialogue, intriguing story, and overall a beautiful play. Definitely going on my directing bucket list!