Don't Ask

by Hayley Procacci

© 2026 Hayley Procacci. All rights reserved.
This play is an original work created by Hayley Procacci and is protected under copyright law. Any unauthorized reproduction or performance is prohibited.

“It was all perverse, really. I wanted more than anything not to be in the army.” –Maureen Keenan

Set between 1983 and 1993 during the peak of the nationwide Lift the Gay Ban campaign, DON'T ASK follows the true story of Lieutenant Maureen 'Mo' Keenan, a pioneer figure used as a pawn for the Military Freedom Initiative. A queer fantasia set against a backdrop of lived history—DON'T ASK weaves through time...

“It was all perverse, really. I wanted more than anything not to be in the army.” –Maureen Keenan

Set between 1983 and 1993 during the peak of the nationwide Lift the Gay Ban campaign, DON'T ASK follows the true story of Lieutenant Maureen 'Mo' Keenan, a pioneer figure used as a pawn for the Military Freedom Initiative. A queer fantasia set against a backdrop of lived history—DON'T ASK weaves through time, memory, and psychological space as one young woman’s story unfolds in the wake of a relentless political movement. Based on true events.

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Don't Ask

Recommended by

  • MT Cozzola: Don't Ask by Hayley Procacci
    “

    This play combines some of my favorite theatrical elements--ensemble storytelling, documentary underpinning, and fluid scenic action--to tell a story that resonates on both a personal level and a historic one. The characters feel vibrant, captured at crucial moments, and the dialog effortless. I also really love how the pacing supports and drives Mo's challenge to control their own destiny even as they discover it. A timely and emotionally resonant script!

    This play combines some of my favorite theatrical elements--ensemble storytelling, documentary underpinning, and fluid scenic action--to tell a story that resonates on both a personal level and a historic one. The characters feel vibrant, captured at crucial moments, and the dialog effortless. I also really love how the pacing supports and drives Mo's challenge to control their own destiny even as they discover it. A timely and emotionally resonant script!

    ”

Character Information

A cast of six. MO remains constant in her story, with five actors propelling her through memory—cycling through many characters throughout the course of the play. The character doubling is specific to the play's design.
  • MAUREEN "MO" KEENAN
    It's her story.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • JESS and others
    MO's college roommate and love interest.
    Also plays AMY, STUDENT LOAN OFFICER, CADET SHORES, MICHELLE BENECKE, and NEWS ANCHOR
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • DON and others
    MO's father.
    Also plays CAR SALESMAN, MAJOR DOMINICK, BARTENDER, and DICK CHENEY.
    Cis male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MARY BONAUTO and others
    A lawyer leading New England's Military Freedom Initiative with Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders.
    Also plays BARBARA, COUNSELOR, CADET BROOKS, GRETA CAMMERMEYER, PROTESTER, and RALLY WORKER
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • DANCING GUY and others
    At the local dive bar. Boldly queer. Embodied and free.
    Also plays MICHAEL, ROTC RECRUITER, CADET NELSON, ELAINE RODRIGUEZ, COLIN POWELL, STALKER, ESCORT, and CROWD.
    Actor plays teens-mid 40's
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • COLONEL JOHNSON and others
    MO's upper classmate. A true Napolean.
    Also plays DAVE, UGA RECRUITER, ROTC RECRUITER, GUY, CARLITA DURAND, MARY'S INTERN, JOURNALIST, PROTESTER, STALKER, MEDICAL CORPS OFFICER, ESCORT, and CROWD VOLUNTEER.
    Plays age 10–mid 30's
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American,
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary

Development History

Production History

  • University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2026

Awards

  • Excellence in Scenic Design
    American College Theatre Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2026
  • Excellence in Choreogprahpy
    American College Theatre Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2026
  • Excellence in Playwriting
    American College Theatre Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2026
  • Excellence in Directing
    American College Theatre Festival
    Judges' Choice
    2026