Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

by Philip Middleton Williams

The script and rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

One-Act: (2020) The usual crowd gathers for coffee at their favorite diner in a small western town until a mysterious stranger enters and engages them in conversation. But who's telling the truth and who's not? And what's the lunch special?

The script and rights are available at www.pmwplaywright.com.

One-Act: (2020) The usual crowd gathers for coffee at their favorite diner in a small western town until a mysterious stranger enters and engages them in conversation. But who's telling the truth and who's not? And what's the lunch special?

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Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

Recommended by

  • Nora Louise Syran: Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

    "Just another day at the Gateway Cafe." Unlike our mysterious stranger, Philip Middleton Williams really has the "common touch" -- we're drawn in immediately into this world, wandering among "the people" and leaving with a clearer perspective on this nation's divided politics. Bravo!

    "Just another day at the Gateway Cafe." Unlike our mysterious stranger, Philip Middleton Williams really has the "common touch" -- we're drawn in immediately into this world, wandering among "the people" and leaving with a clearer perspective on this nation's divided politics. Bravo!

  • Peter Fenton: Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

    Rarely in a 10-30 minute play can multiple believable plot twists can be piled one on top of the next on top of the next with any degree of coherence, but dang it, Philip Middleton Williams has shown us how it's done! He's written a nice slice-of-life work, some acerbic political commentary, all within a fun window into the people of a small-town diner who's one step ahead of the game. I can always appreciate a strong scene set by Philip Middleton Williams.

    Rarely in a 10-30 minute play can multiple believable plot twists can be piled one on top of the next on top of the next with any degree of coherence, but dang it, Philip Middleton Williams has shown us how it's done! He's written a nice slice-of-life work, some acerbic political commentary, all within a fun window into the people of a small-town diner who's one step ahead of the game. I can always appreciate a strong scene set by Philip Middleton Williams.

  • Morey Norkin: Home-Style Cooking at the Gateway Cafe

    Ah, you just know the meatloaf and mashed potatoes at the Gateway Cafe taste even better the second day. And just like that savory treat, Philip Middleton Williams’ dialogue takes us to a place that feels like home. There’s a great twist that expertly captures the cynicism of our political leaders. You’ll laugh and smile throughout. I absolutely encourage theaters to try this in a small town!

    Ah, you just know the meatloaf and mashed potatoes at the Gateway Cafe taste even better the second day. And just like that savory treat, Philip Middleton Williams’ dialogue takes us to a place that feels like home. There’s a great twist that expertly captures the cynicism of our political leaders. You’ll laugh and smile throughout. I absolutely encourage theaters to try this in a small town!

View all 25 recommendations

Character Information

  • Celeste
    Owner of the Gateway Cafe
    Character Age
    Mid-fifties
  • Eva
    CELESTE's daughter.
    Character Age
    Mid-thirties
  • J.R.
    CELESTE's son.
    Character Age
    Mid-twenties
  • Larry
    Local guy.
    Character Age
    Mid-thirties
  • Gina
    Local
    Character Age
    Mid-thirties
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mestiza
  • Robby
    Local kid.
    Character Age
    Mid-twenties
  • Tim
    Former local, visiting.
    Character Age
    Mid-thirties
  • Ray
    Out-of-towner.
    Character Age
    Middle-age.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Valdez Theatre Conference, Valdez, Alaska, Year 2021