The Sudden Sixties

by D.W. Gregory

When Hannah Winter loses her footing in a hotel lobby, the gentleman who helps her up turns out to be the boyfriend she left behind 40 years earlier. Now, after nearly a lifetime of self-sacrifice, Hannah is in the mood to rebel. The Sudden Sixties is adapted by permission of and special arrangement with the Edna Ferber Estate.

Running time: 25 minutes.

When Hannah Winter loses her footing in a hotel lobby, the gentleman who helps her up turns out to be the boyfriend she left behind 40 years earlier. Now, after nearly a lifetime of self-sacrifice, Hannah is in the mood to rebel. The Sudden Sixties is adapted by permission of and special arrangement with the Edna Ferber Estate.

Running time: 25 minutes.

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The Sudden Sixties

Recommended by

  • Michael Goodwin Hilton: The Sudden Sixties by D.W. Gregory
    “

    An elegant, restrained and beautifully rendered one-act about the unexpectedness of aging, and the sacrifices people - mothers above all - are compelled to make throughout their lives. This play resonated with me very deeply, on a personal level, as I'm sure it would many readers and audience members. It is subtly and sincerely told, a play written from the heart for the heart, and a truly lovely and measured piece of theatre.

    An elegant, restrained and beautifully rendered one-act about the unexpectedness of aging, and the sacrifices people - mothers above all - are compelled to make throughout their lives. This play resonated with me very deeply, on a personal level, as I'm sure it would many readers and audience members. It is subtly and sincerely told, a play written from the heart for the heart, and a truly lovely and measured piece of theatre.

    ”
3 F, 1 M

HANNAH WINTER SLOCUM, a 60-something widow of thinning patience.

MARCIA, her daughter, late 30s. High-strung and insecure.

JOAN, her grand-daughter, about 9 (an off-stage voice).

CLINT DARROW, her would-be suitor, the same age as Hannah.


The voice of Joan could be recorded.

Production History

  • Professional, New Jersey Repertory Co., 2018