A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Shadow Box

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 5m

Michael Cristofer

In this compelling dramatic triptych, three terminal cancer patients wrestle with the toll their disease takes on themselves and their loved ones.

The Shadow Box

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Suggested Use
    • UIL Approved
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 1977 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
    Winner! 1977 Tony Award for Best Play

Details

Summary
In this compelling dramatic triptych, three terminal cancer patients dwell in separate cottages on a hospital’s grounds. The three are attended and visited by family and close friends: Agnes and her mother Felicity, estranged further by the latter’s dementia; Brian and Beverly, whose marital complications are exacerbated by Brian’s new lover, Mark; and Joe and Maggie, unready for the strain of Joe’s impending death and its effect on their teenage son.
History
The Shadow Box premiered on Broadway at the Morosco Theatre on 31 March 1977. Directed by Gordon Davidson, the production featured Joyce Ebert, Patricia Elliott, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Rose Gregorio, Laurence Luckinbill, Simon Oakland, Mandy Patinkin, Josef Sommer and Vincent Stewart.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups

Cottage One
JOE
MAGGIE
STEVE

Cottage Two
BRIAN
MARK
BEVERLY

Cottage Three
FELICITY
AGNES

INTERVIEWER

  • Time Period Contemporary, 1970s
  • Setting Three cottages on the grounds of a large hospital.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes, Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“By far the finest play of the New York season... [a] beautifully realized drama of sensitive perceptions, often as funny as it is moving.” – Washington Post

“An important, touching and courageous play... Cristofer writes with the compassion of the undamned. An extraordinarily good Broadway play with meaty roles for actors.” – The New York Times

“Thunders with life.” – ABC TV

“Extraordinary. An overwhelming emotional experience. Truly startling and in its uncompromising way, very funny.” – Boston Globe

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Authors

Author

Michael Cristofer

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