LONGING is one woman’s story of a life through the 20th century. The kind of journey through wonder, love and tragedy that is only possible in the theatre. Barbara’s mother died giving birth to her and she was abandoned by both her father and the man who adopted her. Her aunt raised her as a single parent in California during the depression. She spent her life trying to find the lasting relationship that had eluded her as a child. Married twice during the war, she eventually met a man with whom she spent the next 35 years. This story, inspired by the author’s own mother and his relationship with her, explores Barbara’s search for love and her ongoing struggle to hold a marriage together through the turbulent years that followed. It is a true and inspiring story a woman’s courage to live her life for love, to rediscover what was lost.
Keywords: biography, woman, 20th century, romance
Genre: Drama, Biography
Acts: 2
Run time: 110 minutes
Content note: This is a true story and contains scenes of implied rape and domestic violence. There is some minor swearing.
Cast size: 9 actors
Male roles: 19
Female roles: 8
Other roles: 4
Casting note: There are 30 roles in this play: 19 male, 8 female and several who can be played by either gender. In our original production, we employed 9 actors. More are certainly welcome. Many of the smaller roles were doubled. Ages of the characters range from 6 to 75. This is a true story and multiple actors portray the lead at different ages in her life. Though not strictly necessary, producers may want to consider a certain physical similarity between them.
Audience reviews:
"The show is a treasure. It is many pieces, but blood flows all through it, and (has) a cumulative effect that leaves you spellbound and in love. Been a long time since I've been in a house with such an instant, unquestioned standing ovation."
"Truly this is a unique theatre experience. We were even more emotionally invested the second time we saw LONGING. That took me by surprise too."