Anabel gives her heart to a stranger she meets on the subway.
He disappears with it and her limbs begin to fall asleep. She needs to get it back.
George is on the run, but keeps getting distracted by romantic comedies and feelings he's never had before.
Mona is online speed-dating and seeking therapy from GoogleShrink to feel more connected to the world.
Then a stranger appears on her doorstep in search of a missing heart.
Whimsical, funny, poetic, and wildly original, With Love and a Major Organ is a unique and entertaining exploration of isolation and emotion in our world now. Why is it that we are ever more connected and yet we have never felt more alone?
In a world that is increasingly difficult to live in as a human with feelings, what do we do with our hearts?
Keywords: Poetry, Comedy, Monologues, Metaphor, Female Protagonist, Love, Magic Realism, Romance, Isolation, Technology
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Magic Realism
Acts: 2
Run time: 85 minutes
Suitable for students 10+
Cast size: 3 actors
Male Cast: 1
Female Cast: 2
Casting notes: All characters can be played by actors of any ethnicity and diversity is strongly encouraged. Mona and George do not need to be the same race.
The ages of the characters are also flexible, in relation to one another. Anabel has been played by actors ages 20 - 45.
The only thing to consider is that there should not be an alarming age difference between Anabel and George. Genders are flexible and the adjustment of pronouns is welcome. George has been played as a woman on multiple occasions, with the switch of pronouns and the adjustment of "son" to "daughter." Mona should be female presenting.
"[A] show that stands out above the others... just about perfect... rises to a rare level of universal truth, all while making us laugh. A lot.”
- NewCity Stage, Chicago
"Explored with considerable charm...Lederer’s dialogue is laced with sophisticated poetry and wry insight into the isolation faced by a generation.”
- The Los Angeles Times
"Lederer has a deliciously twisted way with words.... the result is pure elation." - Chicago Stage Standard
"Lederer has managed to take themes as old as time and find a new, modern spin that exudes charm from start to finish.” - On Stage & Screen
"[B]rash, poetic and fiercely original " - NOW Magazine, Toronto
"What could be more important than seeing a play like “With Love and a Major Organ,” with its insistence that one’s heart is central to everything.” - Pasadena Star News