Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

by Lucy Fields

***ACTIVELY SEEKING PRODUCTIONS***

After years of isolation, trans woman Mazie arrives at the bar in her flashiest attire. She and another woman Dana, who's searching for her own fresh start, are hitting it off. However, the critical voice in Mazie's head, in the form of her supportive but old-fashioned mother, threatens to sully her good time. Will Mazie get the girl, or will she give in to her self-doubt...

***ACTIVELY SEEKING PRODUCTIONS***

After years of isolation, trans woman Mazie arrives at the bar in her flashiest attire. She and another woman Dana, who's searching for her own fresh start, are hitting it off. However, the critical voice in Mazie's head, in the form of her supportive but old-fashioned mother, threatens to sully her good time. Will Mazie get the girl, or will she give in to her self-doubt?

This play received its world premiere production August 3rd - 4th at Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Produced by Sapphest. It will be published by Smith & Kraus in their “WE/US” anthology with an estimated publication date of December 2024.

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Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

Recommended by

  • Aly Kantor: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    Oh, has there ever been a cuter, more clever, or more delightful unapologetically queer meet cute? What struck me the most about this play is how kind it feels. After all, how many stories have you read about the mother of a trans woman who is enthusiastically supportive... to a fault? The theatrical choices, such as the doubling and the choice to double down on the delicious campiness, are incredibly effective. Plus, there are themes in this play that many, many women can relate to. Moms, am I right? Fantastic!

    Oh, has there ever been a cuter, more clever, or more delightful unapologetically queer meet cute? What struck me the most about this play is how kind it feels. After all, how many stories have you read about the mother of a trans woman who is enthusiastically supportive... to a fault? The theatrical choices, such as the doubling and the choice to double down on the delicious campiness, are incredibly effective. Plus, there are themes in this play that many, many women can relate to. Moms, am I right? Fantastic!

  • Ian Donley: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    This queer heartthrob of a play has the perfect mix of theatricality, humor, and romance that will put a smile on the faces of those who will feel seen through these well-written characters.

    This queer heartthrob of a play has the perfect mix of theatricality, humor, and romance that will put a smile on the faces of those who will feel seen through these well-written characters.

  • Vidalia Unwin: Can't Be a Good Girl, Mama

    This is perhaps the most authentic Meet Cute I’ve ever read. Or at least the most authentic about trans women. Through the space of a very speedy few pages, this play manages to completely envelope you in a beautiful moment, ripe with all the drama and trauma that could have easily made it a tragedy. The fact that it maintains its humor and sweetness in an even tone makes it all the more delightful. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

    This is perhaps the most authentic Meet Cute I’ve ever read. Or at least the most authentic about trans women. Through the space of a very speedy few pages, this play manages to completely envelope you in a beautiful moment, ripe with all the drama and trauma that could have easily made it a tragedy. The fact that it maintains its humor and sweetness in an even tone makes it all the more delightful. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Character Information

Mazie must be played by a transgender woman. The actor playing Bartender doubles as Linda.
  • Bartender
    Never too busy for a heart-to-heart. Doubles as LINDA, Mazie’s mother, or rather, the personification of Linda’s voice in Mazie’s head.
    Character Age
    20s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender
  • Dana
    Seeing where the night takes her.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Woman
  • Mazie
    Trying to meet people; herself most of all.
    Character Age
    20s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any Race/Ethnicity
    Character Gender Identity
    Transgender Woman

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Sapphest, Year 2024