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A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE
Full-Length Play, Dark Comedy / 2w
Jen Silverman
Jen Silverman's dark comedy ponders what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.
Image: 2024 Broadway Production (Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)
Sharon, in her mid-fifties, is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home. Robyn, also in her mid-fifties, needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely. A dark comedy about what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.
The Roommate premiered at the Actors Theatre of Louisville as a part of the Humana Festival of Plays in March 2015 under the direction of Mike Donahue.
After seeing life in dozens of productions in regional theatres across the United States, the play made its Broadway debut at the Booth Theatre on 12 September 2024. Directed by Jack O’Brien, the production featured Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone.
A big, old house in Iowa City. Now in summer.
“Equal parts nuanced and comically exaggerated, The Roommate addresses themes of aging, femininity and identity in a fresh, humorous way.” – WFPL, Louisville, KY
“The Roommate tugs at the heartstrings as much as it tickles the funny bone.” – Louisville.com
“A warm and wonderful story that explores how a person's ideas about herself can be limiting but, under certain circumstances, can change in a short period of time and alter the trajectory of one's life.” – The Courier-Journal
“It’s probably going to enjoy a really long life in Equity houses and community theaters around the country. It’s just that good, and just that fun.” – Arts-Louisville.com
“Jen Silverman's The Roommate, a new one-act about isolation, second chances and the consequences of our choices, is as tragic as they come – and it's a tragedy that subtly grows beneath peals of uproarious laughter.” – Broadway World
ON BREAKING CHARACTER
Life at a Crossroadsby Kimberly Colburn2 February 2017
Jen Silverman in Five Playsby Ally Varitek24 September 2026
The Roommate – Highlights, Broadway production
The Roommate – About the Broadway show with playwright Jen Silverman
The Roommates – Humana Interview with Jen Silverman
The Roommate – First Look, Humana Festival 2015
Jen Silverman (they/them) is a playwright, novelist and screenwriter. Plays include: The Roommate (Broadway: The Booth Theatre; Regionally: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival, Steppenwolf, South Coast Repertory Theatre, etc.); Highway ...