The Last Sundae

by claire dettloff

Gathered around the dining table in a little blue house in Northern Michigan, Pat and her friends of 50 years spend what may be their last morning together chatting, complaining, laughing, and eating ice cream at an unconventional hour. The Last Sundae is a celebration of the girlhood that carries women through to their elder years, ever-present in the deep, long-lasting communities they forge along the way.

Gathered around the dining table in a little blue house in Northern Michigan, Pat and her friends of 50 years spend what may be their last morning together chatting, complaining, laughing, and eating ice cream at an unconventional hour. The Last Sundae is a celebration of the girlhood that carries women through to their elder years, ever-present in the deep, long-lasting communities they forge along the way.

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The Last Sundae

Recommended by

  • Leroy Hood: The Last Sundae by claire dettloff
    “

    A gentle, funny, quietly sad story about the eternity of female friendship, even in the face of mortality. This play has many strong features, but perhaps the one I find most exciting is the six meaty roles it provides for actresses 60 and older. A play to be contemplated and savored, like a great bite of ice cream.

    A gentle, funny, quietly sad story about the eternity of female friendship, even in the face of mortality. This play has many strong features, but perhaps the one I find most exciting is the six meaty roles it provides for actresses 60 and older. A play to be contemplated and savored, like a great bite of ice cream.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: The Last Sundae by claire dettloff
    “

    A beautiful celebration of friendship and getting older. I was moved by how differently these women deal with their dying friend. I have read few plays that tackle death in such a complicated and nuanced way. I have read few plays that feature women in their 80s. There is a trend in theatre to feature stories of young women. I'm not saying that we don't need those stories but we can't forget the wisdom-filled women on the opposite end of their lives. Dettloff wonderfully honors her grandmother with this play and I can't wait to see it produced.

    A beautiful celebration of friendship and getting older. I was moved by how differently these women deal with their dying friend. I have read few plays that tackle death in such a complicated and nuanced way. I have read few plays that feature women in their 80s. There is a trend in theatre to feature stories of young women. I'm not saying that we don't need those stories but we can't forget the wisdom-filled women on the opposite end of their lives. Dettloff wonderfully honors her grandmother with this play and I can't wait to see it produced.

    ”

Character Information

  • Pat
    Our main girl (my grandma), having her last (good) day. The cancer started in her liver.
    80s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Marjorie
    Certified bestie, has known Pat the longest…hasn’t come to terms.
    80s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Irene
    The most precious about it all. She's not coping well. Maybe one more casserole will fix it?
    80s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Gail
    Lives with chronic illness. She sees red about many things, but especially this.
    80s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Fran
    Very spiritual, former nurse.
    80s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Joy
    Taking care of Pat. She's more or less in charge. Early 60’s
    60s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Workshop, Arizona State University, 2025