A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

A Love Affair

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  3w, 2m

An award winning romantic comedy brimming with hilarious as well as moving moments captured from a 38 year marriage. Two pairs of actors play the Diamonds, (early and now, in their
marriage) one young and one mature. Throughout, they observe and comment
on each other. It's a moving, identifiable story that rings true, while offering a multiplicity of laughs.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Romantic Comedy
  • Suggested Use
    • Scene work
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior

Details

Summary

This award winning romantic comedy is brimming with hilarious as well as moving moments captured from a 38 year marriage. As Jimmy and Alice Diamond clear out the attic of their Malibu home because a turn of finances is forcing them to move into a cramped condo, they find themselves reliving the flawed masterpiece that is their marriage.  A subtitle, with a smile, might be, "Till Debt do us Part."  Two pairs of actors play the Diamonds, (early and now, in their marriage) one young and one mature. Throughout, they observe and comment on each other. In one delightful scene, the four confront each other to negotiate the transition into middle age. The fifth cast member plays six different women who influence the Diamond marriage, offering a tour de force for an actress.  "A Love Affair" is both a timeless and a timely play, because its story is about financial reverses and how they can either weaken or reinforce relationships, depending on how the difficult times are handled.  It's a moving, identifiable story that rings true, while offering a multiplicity of laughs.  

History
A Love Affair was first produced at the Santa Monica Playhouse, opening on October 10, 1991, in Santa Monica, CA. It was directed by Chris DeCarlo.

JIMMY AND JIMMY II - The same guy at different times in the same life, from twenty-one to sixty. He travels from being naive and eager, to disillusioned and comically bitter. No matter what curves life throws jimmy, he views them with edgy humor. Jimmy is capable but disorganized, constantly tripping over details. That's why he leaves them all to Alice.

ALICE AND ALICE II - The same girl from nineteen to fifty-eight. She's practical and organized and lovely and sexy. She's often frustrated with Jimmy, as he is with her, and totally in love with him, as he is with her.

ALL THE OTHER CHARACTERS are played by one talented actress, with lots of colors on her palette:
DARLENE WELCH - secretary to Desi Arnaz
GLO FRAZIER - beautiful, fortyish TV Star
DR. CYNTHIA MCKNIGHT - capable gynecologist
PAM GTREEN - a career oriented, upwardly mobile, Assistant TV Producer
JULIA FIELD - an attorney who delivers bad news
JENNIFER - sometimes actress, full time furniture mover.

Sexuality is an important ongoing factor in Jimmy and Alice's love for each other and can be played tastefully hot.  A good director and gifted actors can make this relationship appealing to all.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 105 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

"Terrific.... An illuminating look at a long-term marital relationship... Above all, we care about these people, which makes for a terrific evening of theater." - Hollywood Reporter

"Zingy one liners keep the audience laughing. Critic's Choice." - Drama Logue

"Warm of heart, quick of wit." - Variety

"Mayer's witty dialogue is funny and endearing without falling into self-conscious shtick. "An honest and insightful play that elicits shocks of recognition from the audience." - The Star

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Jerry Mayer

Jerry Mayer, born and educated in St. Louis, Mo., has had an impressive career in television, writing and producing such prized shows as M*A*S*H, The Bob Newhart Show, All in the Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Facts of Life and five Mitzi Gaynor's TV Specials, plus he ...
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