Last Drive to Dodge

by Andrew Lee Creech

FULL LENGTH - 1884, Texas. Ro (a Black domestic worker) and Prophet (a Black cowboy) are in love, and they dream of leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy...

FULL LENGTH - 1884, Texas. Ro (a Black domestic worker) and Prophet (a Black cowboy) are in love, and they dream of leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy Golden Age, Last Drive to Dodge examines race, love, and legacy in a time when everyone is scrambling for their piece of the American Dream.

This play is part of a planned nine-play, multi-century-spanning cycle exploring the lives of Black Americans in pivotal moments of American history.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Last Drive to Dodge

Recommended by

  • Anna Tatelman: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    I saw this at Taproot Theatre in fall 2023. The poetic language in this piece is stunning. I also love how Andrew both honored and critiqued the genre of the Western through this thoughtful piece.

    I saw this at Taproot Theatre in fall 2023. The poetic language in this piece is stunning. I also love how Andrew both honored and critiqued the genre of the Western through this thoughtful piece.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    A wonderful Western!! This play has such rich characters and an ending full of hope.

    A wonderful Western!! This play has such rich characters and an ending full of hope.

    ”
  • Nelle Tankus: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    Andrew is a poet, folks. The language throughout this play is gorgeous, and the love between Ro and Prophet didn't just feel real, it felt singular and urgent. With beautiful direction by Valerie Curtis-Newton and an extremely talented cast, the production at Taproot is one that will stick with me for a long time.

    Andrew is a poet, folks. The language throughout this play is gorgeous, and the love between Ro and Prophet didn't just feel real, it felt singular and urgent. With beautiful direction by Valerie Curtis-Newton and an extremely talented cast, the production at Taproot is one that will stick with me for a long time.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

  • Ro
    She's been working in the Bailey household for three years of her five year contract. She's too good at caring for and listening to others. She's more imaginative and passionate about stories and nature than her own dreams and desires. But the minute she gives herself permission, she could take over the world.
    30s
    Black
    Woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Prophet
    A Cowboy on the Bailey ranch. A prideful man with a restless nature, and a deep heart that doesn't know just how deep it is yet. He feels he has a special connection with universe and a prophetic foresight. When he gets a vision, he will make it happen.
    30s
    Black
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Bennett
    A former Confederate soldier and owner of the Bailey ranch. A widower. A man slowly losing himself, his mobility, his ranch, and everyone around him. He's got many feelings, but only two methods of expressing them: rage and silence. Hard work, making something of yourself, and no complaining are his tenants.
    40s
    White
    Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male,
      Non-binary
  • Millie
    Her recent divorce has left her with the task of rebuilding her life. She takes pride in her fancy clothing and over-enunciation, as it allows her to hide her shameful upbringing. But the more time she spends at home, the more evident that the air of sophistication is just like that fancy clothing...a costume.
    30s
    White
    Woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary

Development History

Production History

Awards

  • Outstanding Original Script
    Gregory Awards (Theatre Puget Sound), Nominee
    2024
  • Best Play
    BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards
    Winner
    2023
  • Best New Play or Musical
    BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards
    Winner
    2023