A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Be Here Now

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  3w, 1m

Two lost souls come together under most unusual circumstances in this deeply insightful and charmingly funny play.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary

Bari’s always been a bit of an angry, depressed misanthrope. And losing her job teaching nihilism in New York to work at the local fulfillment center in her rural hometown has sent her into despair. But lately her recurring headaches manifest bizarre, ecstatic, almost religious experiences, and they’re changing her entire view of life. She’s in love. She’s almost… happy. When she finds out they’re also killing her, she must decide whether it’s better to live a short, joyful life, or risk a lifetime of misery. And she must also ask herself… what’s it all for anyway?

BARI: (40-60) A depressed, nihilistic misanthrope who undergoes a radical transformation. PATTY COOPER: (Same age as Bari) Loud and controlling and good hearted. Has never left her hometown of East Cooperville. LUANNE COOPER: (20) Patty’s niece. Very simple and sweet. MIKE COOPER: (40-60) Patty’s cousin. Mike makes beautiful art out of garbage -- that’s who he is. He has a crow.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes

Media

"It is clever and soul-searching and filled with laughter." Cincinnati Inquirer 

“In a time that often feels like nothing matters, Be Here Now bursts through the gloom and offers a new and uplifting perspective.”  City Beat

“Vivid characters and an innate depth of humanity […] One of the best scripts from a major writer.” Palm Beach Arts Paper

“Takes the audience on an emotional journey that serves up hilarity, sorrow and more.” Sun Sentinel

“[Be Here Now] takes threads of the meaning of life, mindful living, and finding purpose in the forgotten and (weaves) them into a beautiful, thought-provoking tapestry.” Sun Sentinel

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Deborah Zoe Laufer

Deborah Zoe Laufer’s plays have been produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Portland Stage, and 80 other theaters around the country, in Germany, Russia and Canada.

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