A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Poor Behavior

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  2w, 2m

Theresa Rebeck

A fierce and funny story about the unexpected ease of betrayal and the fragility of marriage.

Get the Script

Poor Behavior

Request licence
Get the Script
  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

A weekend in the country spins out of control when jealous wife Maureen makes a reckless accusation about her husband Ian and their old friend Ella. Ella's husband Peter tries and fails to stop the domestic carnage in this fierce and funny story about the unexpected ease of betrayal and the fragility of marriage.

History

Poor Behavior premiered at the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles, CA in September 2011 under the direction of Douglas Hughes.

Keywords
Performing Groups
PETER - self-assured, funny, confident, very likeable; a caretaker.
MAUREEN - high-strung, narcissistic, often hysterical; has a ready self-pity.
ELLA - good-natured, passionate, idealistic, with just enough self-deception at her disposal.
IAN - Irish; has lived in the states for over ten years; bitter, funny, brilliant; he is angry at himself for all his bad decisions. Angry at the universe, too. Ready to burn the store to get what he wants. Is also wounded and vulnerable; it’s important that his woundedness be seen.
  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting

    A comfortable weekend home in the country.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

REVIEWS:

“An indecently funny play!” - Variety

“If there’s ever been theater that invites a discussion afterward over a glass or seven of wine, then Poor Behavior is it.” – NBC4 New York 

“A weekend getaway… provided your idea of a getaway is Napoleon’s retreat from Russia.”  – The New York Times


Videos

  • Poor Behavior - Center Theatre Group youtube thumbnail

    Poor Behavior - Center Theatre Group

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
Get the Script

Authors

Theresa Rebeck

Theresa Rebeck

Theresa Rebeck is a widely produced playwright throughout the United States and abroad. New York productions of her work include Dead Accounts at the Music Box Theatre; Seminar at the Golden Theatre; Mauritius at the Biltmore Theatre in a Manhattan Theater Club Production; Th ...

View full profile

Now Playing