A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Everybody's Ruby

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 10m

Thulani Davis

This hard-hitting and intense drama, a sensation Off Broadway, is based
on a murder that happened in a small town in Florida in 1952.

Everybody's Ruby

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 10m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary

This hard-hitting and intense drama, a sensation Off Broadway, is based on a murder that happened in a small town in Florida in 1952. Ruby McCollum, a black woman, is accused of killing a socially prominent white doctor. Famed writer Zora Neale Hurston is covering her trial for the national black press. With help from another famous reporter, Zora uncovers an explosive collision of race, sex, and class that is key to understanding the truth about the murder.

History
Everybody's Ruby premiered at the Public Theater in New York City in March 1999 under the direction of Kenny Leon.
Keywords
Performing Groups
RUBY McCOLLUM - housewife, mother of four, 37 years old. 
ZORA NEALE HURSTON - a well-known writer, 50 years old. 
DR. LEROY ADAMS - a doctor and newly elected member of the Florida State Assembly, in his 40s.
SAM McCOLLUM - a numbers banker, in his 40s. 
WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE - a well-known writer, in his 40s/ White Citizen #2
DEPUTY SHERRIF BARKLEY
LIBRARIAN LOGAN "BEAU" SHIPP
MARIE / RECEOTIONIST / WAITRESS
JUDGE / PHARMACIST
MECHANIC / BARTENDER / BLACK CITIZEN #1
CLERK / WHITE CITIZEN #1 / MRS. X
CARPENTER
PROSECUTOR / WHITE CITIZEN #3 / STORE OWNER
DEFENSE ATTORNEY / SUIT / WHITE CITIZEN #4
  • Time Period 1950s
  • Setting Live Oak, FL 1952-53
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Gun Shots
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Smoking

Media

“Eloquent... A complex and provocative drama.” – The Village Voice

“An absorbing work that reminds audiences of a place and a period, not so distant, when crossing the lines of color and convention meant almost certain destruction.” – Star Ledger

“Engrossing.” – The New York Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $120 per performance

Scripts

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Authors

Author

Thulani Davis

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