A DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE TITLE

The Last Seder

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  6w, 5m

Jennifer Maisel

In this “gentle, comic drama” (The New York Times), a family preparing for a big transition gathers for one last Seder, where they end up fighting, divvying up keepsakes and reliving memories.

The Last Seder

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    6w, 5m
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

The Price family has gathered for one last Seder. Matriarch Lily has been taking care of her Alzheimer’s-stricken husband, Marvin, for years, but the family has decided it’s best for all involved parties to move him into an assisted-living facility. Lily and Marvin’s four daughters and their plus-ones – ranging from brand-new to longtime partners – all arrive at the girls’ childhood home to help with the transition and instead end up fighting, divvying up keepsakes and reliving memories. The Prices, who are always ready for a laugh or a cry, must face a bittersweet future as their family changes for good.

History

After productions at Organic Theater Company in Chicago, IL, and Theater J in Washington, D.C., The Last Seder premiered off-Broadway at Theater Three in 2012. Directed by Jessica Bauman, the New York production featured Ryan Barry, Melisa Breiner-Sanders, Gaby Hoffmann, Kathryn Kates, Natalie Kuhn, Andy Lucien, John Michalski, Eric T. Miller, Greg Mullavey, Abigail Rose Solomon and Sarah Winkler.

Performing Groups

LILY PRICE – Family matriarch, sixties, Jewish, white-presenting
MARVIN PRICE – Her husband, seventies, suffering from Alzheimer’s, Jewish, white-presenting
JULIA PRICE – Oldest daughter, mid-thirties to forties, very pregnant, Jewish, white-presenting
CLAIRE PRICE – Second daughter, thirties, Jewish, white-presenting
MICHELLE PRICE – Third daughter, late twenties to thirties, Jewish, white-presenting
ANGEL PRICE – The youngest daughter, early twenties, Jewish, white-presenting
HAROLD FREEDMAN – Next-door neighbor, Marvin and Lily’s friend, Jewish JANE – Julia’s lover, not Jewish
JON – Claire’s fiancé, Jewish
KENT – Late twenties, early thirties, Jewish
LUKE – Early twenties, Black, not Jewish

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting

    Various rooms in the Price family home. The present.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Media

“Transcendental beauty… You don’t have to be Jewish to fall in love with The Last Seder.” – Stage Scene LA

“This gentle, comic drama by Jennifer Maisel about a family coming together during a difficult time features simmering tensions that can occur at any time of year.” – The New York Times

“Approaches its tear-jerking aims with delicate precision and punch.” – Los Angeles Times

“Maisel’s play achieves transcendental beauty. You don’t have to be Jewish to fall in love with The Last Seder.” – Stage Scene LA

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

Jennifer Maisel

Jennifer Maisel

Known for her thought-provoking dramas about the transcendency of human connection and identity, Jennifer Maisel has written plays that have been produced nationally and internationally. The Last Seder premiered off-Broadway with Gaby Hoffmann and Greg Mullavey after producti ...

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