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Women On Fire

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  12w

Irene O'Garden

"Bewitching ... astounding ... heartbreaking." - The New York Times
From ad exec to Midwest mom to care-giver to construction worker, each character is on fire in her own way - with passion, fear, self-discovery, even shopping! Exploring the breadth of women's issues with humor and wisdom, the monologues offer excellent roles for one or more mature actresses.

Women On Fire

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    12w
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Suggested Use
    • Monologues
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominated! 2004 Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Solo Show

Details

Summary

This evening of twelve emotionally charged monologues starred Judith Ivey Off Broadway, where its run was extended twice. From ad exec to Midwest mom to care-giver to construction worker, each character is on fire in her own way - with passion, fear, self-discovery, even shopping! Exploring the breadth of women's issues with humor and wisdom, the monologues offer excellent roles for one or more mature actresses. Women on Fire earned the highest rating for audience satisfaction from the Wall Street Journal/Zagat Theatre Survey.

History

Women On Fire was originally developed and produced by Cherry Lane Theatre, under artistic director Angelina Fiordellisi, and opened Off-Broadway at The Cherry Lane Studio Theatre in New York City on October 14, 2003. The production moved to The Cherry Lane Theatre's main stage on November 19, 2003. It was directed by Mary B. Robinson.

Keywords
Performing Groups

TRUDE - tough Brooklyn photographer, 50s
FERN (Hearth) - hefty Midwestern housewife, late 50s, early 60s
EILEEN (Coal Stove)- Boston Irish, of great endurance, 40s to 50s, rich lilt
CLOVER (Conflagration) - advertising exec, tough, crude, and brilliant, 50s
LYDIA (Smolder) - dying manipulative Southern mother
MIRlAM (Incinerator) - animated, Jewish, Westchester clotheshorse, of "a certain age"
ELIZABETH (Embers)- feisty New England fighter, stroke survivor, 60s
RITA (Campfire) - musician, of great honesty, late 40s
ZATZ (Wildfire) - edgy city kid, early 20sthough seems younger
KALISHA (Kiln) - powerful black woman, physically strong, 20s to early 30s
AUDREY (Firestorm) - passionate professor, 40s
JORDY (Fireworks) - deeply delighted Appalachian dancer, 90s

Can be cast with 1, 3, 5 or 12 females.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Local Celebrity Cameo, No intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Strong Language
    • Smoking

Media

REVIEWS

"Bewitching ... astounding ... heartbreaking." - The New York Times

"Heartwarming, riveting drama." - NYTheatre.com

"Fresh, spirited ... plumbing the secret depths of ordinary women." - Backstage

"Hot pick." - New York Post

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Scripts

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Authors

Irene O'Garden

Irene O'Garden

Irene O’Garden has won or been nominated for prizes in nearly every writing category from stage to e-screen, hardcovers and children’s books, as well as literary magazines and anthologies. O’Garden’s new memoir, Risking the Rapids: How My Wilderness Adventure Healed My Childh ...

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