←Recommendations of Above the Fold

Above the Fold dramatizes press coverage surrounding the investigation into the death of a musical theatre star. Set in a private barroom where reporters and a photographer gather between court sessions, the play explores ambition, rivalry, sensationalism, sexism, and the uneasy relationship between journalism and truth. Above the Fold is fast-paced, engrossing, and thought-provoking. Zaffarano's research and skilled craftsmanship bring the era and its characters vividly to life. Brava!

Really sharp with a fantastic voice and clear characters. I love the ambiguity toward the end about the ghosts; the whole thing is deliciously layered.

Julie Zaffarano expertly employs Hawksian aesthetics, such as rapid-fire dialogue and high-stakes drama, to dive into complex topics like true crime coverage, journalistic ethics, and our capacity for violence. Zaffarano creates a strong protagonist in Dorothy, whose determination to succeed as a woman in a man’s world forces her to make difficult choices. Her push-pull relationship with fellow journalist Carl is highly compelling, resulting in one of the tensest climaxes I have read in a while.

Above the Fold is a period drama with sharp dialogue & fast pace. It has the tone of a newsroom. Having worked in journalism ( not in 1935) it rings true to how a story is pursued, and how the truth is not so simple.
It also explores the sexism that still exists in media.

I've had the pleasure of being a part of the developmental readings and fell in love with the characters, the story and the witty dialogue that is right out of the time period. Very compelling and relevant to the perception of media today.

“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.