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Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  5w, 5m

Edith Wharton, Dawn Keeler

By Edith Wharton
Adapted by Dawn Keeler

"Elegant...series of precisely staged and evocative dramatic tableaux." - The Guardian
"Deep, dark and powerful...[with] dramatic and tragic impact." - The News

Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptations (Literature), Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Based on the classic story that helped to establish Edith Wharton as the first great American woman novelist, this moving play vividly brings to the stage Lily Bart's flamboyant progress through the glorious whirl of New York's high society, circa 1905, and her tragic fall. The satirical love story is staged as a series of flashbacks over her coffin. Faithful to Edith Wharton's distinct style of dialogue, this dramatic version opened to acclaim in London.

History
Cambridge Theatre Company, 1995.

LILY BART - 29 year-old, society beauty.
LAWRENCE SELDEN - lawyer in his 30's.
GERTY FARISH - wealthy businessman, 30-40.
SIMON ROSEDALE - wealthy businessman, 30-40.
JUDY TRENOR - old New York, very wealthy, 40-50.
GUS TRENOR - Judy Trenor's financier husband, 45-55.
BERTHA DORSET - small, very petite socialite, 30-40.
GEORGE DORSET - Bertha Dorset's husband, 40-50.
CARRY FISHER - twice divorced, 30-40.
PERCY GRYCE - very wealthy collector, 25-35.
PORTER

  • Time Period Victorian (British and American)
  • Setting Grand Central Station, New York. 1903-1905.
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Smoking

Media

"Elegant...series of precisely staged and evocative dramatic tableaux." - The Guardian

"Deep, dark and powerful...[with] dramatic and tragic impact." - The News

"There's actually not much mirth in this haunting, powerful play but there is desire, greed and tragedy to match all the greatest love stories...A winner." - Southern Daily Echo

Music

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

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $120 per performance

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Authors

Author

Edith Wharton

Author

Dawn Keeler

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