Synopsis
Taking Leave
Published by Dramatists Play Service
3 Male 2 Female
The visitation of Eliot's three daughters, Alma, Liz and Cordelia, forms the central event of this oddly comic, yet fully sympathetic play. The decision-whether or not to have Father put in a "home"-provides the central conflict among the three very different sisters: the public school counselor, Alma; the TV actress, Liz; and the ne'er-do-well vagabond, Cordelia, who arrives in her black leather motorcycle outfit fresh from a year in Paris and a history of drug abuse
As in Shakespeare's play, it is the young Cordelia who assumes responsibility for her father and leaves us with the bittersweet realization that, while all will not be well, Eliot's taking leave will be a gentle one. Filled with the often farcical behavior that goes along with this disease, and decorated with "good talk" from the literate professor and his daughters, this play had packed houses at the Denver Center laughing, weeping and finally standing and cheering
As the alarming number of Alzheimer's victims keeps growing, this play's relevance increases daily
"The play is engrossing, vividassured and strong in theatrical values" ~ Variety
"a celebration of life" ~ Anchorage Daily News
"a rich new dramatic comedyprovokes a great deal of compassionate laughter" ~ BackStage West
"Heartwarming is the operative word" ~ Denver Post