Women of a Certain Age

by Steve Duprey

When four college friends, now in their sixties, discover that one of them has been “gifted” with an abandoned baby, they try to figure out what’s next; for the mother, for the baby, and for the four of them. Through their research, the ladies discover that the child (still with no name) could be adopted, even by women of their age, but that adoption agencies are more likely to grant adoption to married couples...

When four college friends, now in their sixties, discover that one of them has been “gifted” with an abandoned baby, they try to figure out what’s next; for the mother, for the baby, and for the four of them. Through their research, the ladies discover that the child (still with no name) could be adopted, even by women of their age, but that adoption agencies are more likely to grant adoption to married couples. They decide that two of them will get married in order to remove that obstacle. The dream sequence “dating game” scene allows for the choice to be made. The wedding is performed on stage and we watch, as the 4-week-old baby receives her name in the last scene.
Utilizing the often ignored “older woman” demographic, the play examines the themes of lasting friendships, older female empowerment and the current adoption system. It is a character-driven comedy with some bawdy language and an interesting twist at the end.

WMOEN OF A CERTAIN AGE has been published by ARTAGE PUBLICATIONS. follow this link for more info and licensing info on the show!

https://seniortheatre.com/product/women-of-a-certain-age/

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Women of a Certain Age

Recommended by

  • Christine Foster: Women of a Certain Age by Steve Duprey
    “

    So many heartfelt thoughts here - the longing to take ultimate responsibility for one other (small) person - the needing to be needed - the warm and relatable dialogue on the required energy and sacrifices of motherhood. It's all there. And the TV dating game is a hoot. Lovely, charming and uplifting.

    So many heartfelt thoughts here - the longing to take ultimate responsibility for one other (small) person - the needing to be needed - the warm and relatable dialogue on the required energy and sacrifices of motherhood. It's all there. And the TV dating game is a hoot. Lovely, charming and uplifting.

    ”
  • Melissa Milich: Women of a Certain Age by Steve Duprey
    “

    One of the best plays I have ever read on NPX.

    One of the best plays I have ever read on NPX.

    ”

Character Information

The four main characters are all women in their 60's. the fifth character is the host of The Dating Game...can be male or female, any adult age.
  • NANCY WHEATON
    The oldest. The most accommodating member of the group. She holds it together for the most part and makes sure everyone stays in touch.
    Mid 60's
    Any Race
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • RUTH SAUNDERS
    Two months and seventeen days younger than Nancy. Mouth like a sailor and a bit crotchety but a heart of gold. She’s a take charge kind of gal…the Facilitator.
    Mid 60's
    American of any race/ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • SANDY EASTMAN
    The youngest. She’s got spunk (which is something you only say of an older person). Unlike the others, she’s still working at her real estate firm and so she’s always a little distracted and a little behind.
    Mid 60's
    American of any race/ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • MARY COLOGNE
    The instigator of the group. Likely to get them in trouble or present them with problems but always with the best intentions. She’ll be the first to volunteer them all for soup kitchen duty on Thanksgiving!
    Mid 60's
    American of any race/ethnicity
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • ANNOUNCER
    His name is Jim Lange (the original host of The Dating Game) …look him up! This role can be a live actor or a voiceover. The original workshop production used a live actor and I like the way it worked. I can see this working with any gender.
    any adult age
    American of any race/ethnicity
    Any gender
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Workshop, Geneva Theatre Guild, 2022
  • Reading, Geneva Theatre Guild, 2022

Production History

  • Community Theater, Cumberland Players, 2023
  • Community Theater, The Old Lady Project (City of Evanston), 2023
  • Community Theater, Geneva Theatre Guild, 2022

Awards

  • Semifinalist for the Waterworks Festival 2024
    2024
  • Excellence in Scriptwriting
    TANYS (Theatre Association of New York State)
    2022