This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party

by Samantha Oty

Full-Length - 90min

FINALIST - Waterworks 2024 Play Festival

Third Place Selection - The Robert J. Pickering / J.R. Colbeck Award for Playwriting Excellence, 2022

Anya has spent the last month ensuring every detail of this baby shower is perfect for Emelyn, and she’s not about to let a blackout stop it.

Full-Length - 90min

FINALIST - Waterworks 2024 Play Festival

Third Place Selection - The Robert J. Pickering / J.R. Colbeck Award for Playwriting Excellence, 2022

Anya has spent the last month ensuring every detail of this baby shower is perfect for Emelyn, and she’s not about to let a blackout stop it.

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This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party

Recommended by

  • Rene Zabel: This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party by Samantha Oty
    “

    We had the privilege of reading This is Fine, in our reading group. Oty has a way with bringing normal, every day situations and friendships, to the stage in real and exciting ways. The story is poignant and relative to today's marriage, pregnancy and relationships.

    We had the privilege of reading This is Fine, in our reading group. Oty has a way with bringing normal, every day situations and friendships, to the stage in real and exciting ways. The story is poignant and relative to today's marriage, pregnancy and relationships.

    ”
  • James Perry: This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party by Samantha Oty
    “

    Samantha Oty has crafted a captivating and humorous play exploring modern relationships, the pressures of adulthood, and the comedic chaos that ensues when life's unexpected events collide. This play is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a fresh, contemporary comedy with a touch of genuine emotion. I highly recommend this play for its clever writing, strong character development, and the way it beautifully captures the complexities of modern relationships and the unpredictable nature of life.

    Samantha Oty has crafted a captivating and humorous play exploring modern relationships, the pressures of adulthood, and the comedic chaos that ensues when life's unexpected events collide. This play is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a fresh, contemporary comedy with a touch of genuine emotion. I highly recommend this play for its clever writing, strong character development, and the way it beautifully captures the complexities of modern relationships and the unpredictable nature of life.

    ”
  • Austin Shay: This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party by Samantha Oty
    “

    "This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party" is a funny and relatable story about friendship, growing up, and the chaos of childbirth. When a power outage and unexpected labor disrupt Anya's baby shower plans for her friend Emelyn, the characters' true selves emerge. With witty dialogue and well-developed personalities, the story is fast-paced and engaging.

    "This is Fine; Or, How Chekhov's Baby Saved the Party" is a funny and relatable story about friendship, growing up, and the chaos of childbirth. When a power outage and unexpected labor disrupt Anya's baby shower plans for her friend Emelyn, the characters' true selves emerge. With witty dialogue and well-developed personalities, the story is fast-paced and engaging.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Anya/Anna
    Anya is trying to get pregnant with her husband, Stephen. She recently changed her name from Anna, to make her sound more...European.
    late 20s-mid 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Kathryn
    Kathryn is a hashtag girl boss. Think Glossier. Think Sophia Amoruso. She’s also the first in their group of friends to have a baby. Everything is so perfect for Kathryn. She’s thriving?
    late 20s-mid 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Emelyn
    Emelyne is very pregnant and a little too nice. She’s non-confrontational and hates it when people fight. Even before the baby.
    late 20s-mid 30s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Stephen
    Anya’s nerdy, yet endearing husband.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Trina
    Emelyn’s terrified wife/life partner.
    20s-30s
    Any
    (assigned female at birth - not plot relevant) Female or non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Jeremiah
    Kathryn’s husband. Literally unconscious.
    20s-30s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Dramatists Roundtable, 2024
  • Reading, Shiny Unicorn Productions, 2024

Awards

  • Unstaged Works
    Waterworks Play Festival, Live Arts, Charlottesville, VA
    Finalist
    2024
  • 3rd Place
    Robert J. Pickering / J.R. Colebeck Award for Playwriting Excellence, Coldwater, MI
    Selection
    2022