On My Own
a comedy by Steven Michelson
Copyright© 1999 by Steven Michelson. All Rights Reserved.
Synopsis
You’re a 24 year old guy. You’ve been seeing your girlfriend, Jesse, for three months. She’s convinced you to move out of your mother’s home so you can take your relationship to the "next step." Now that you have your own place, you’ll finally be able to do so in peace, without any more interference from mom. You’re JOE REDICKER, and life couldn’t be better. Or could it? When mom arrives at your doorstep, suitcase in hand, to get away from dad for a while, you’re rightfully concerned that she will wreak havoc on your carefully laid plans with Jesse. On My Own is a comedy about a young man and the two important women in his life. Throughout the play, Joe struggles to keep to his "game plan" with Jesse while keeping mom in the dark and Jesse unaware of mom’s new address. It requires a unit set, with a cast of five: two men and one woman, all in their early to mid 20s; one woman in her mid to late 50s; and one man about 35.
Characters:
JOE REDICKER - A 24 year old man. He is a school teacher, and is struggling to balance the relationships he has with the women in his life. On the one hand, he loves his mother, despite the fact that she has a strong tendency to want to control his every action. On the other hand, he adores his girlfriend, Jessica, who has been encouraging him to become more independent, especially of his mother.
JESSICA FRAVEL - Joe’s girlfriend, a young woman about the same age as Joe. She is a nurse, and is very much in love with Joe. She is basically a very nurturing and supportive person, but she is bothered by the control Joe’s mother has over him. She has been trying to convince Joe to move out on his own, to become more independent.
MARSHA REDICKER - Joe’s mother, in her mid to late 50s. She spent the better part of her life taking care of Joe, and is having a difficult time accepting the fact that her little boy is now a grown man. She loves her son dearly, but tries to exert too much control over him, and probably believes no woman would be good enough for him.
MATT MAJESKI - Joe’s best friend. A young man about the same age as Joe. He is a lawyer.
OFFICER TONY DOUGLAS - A police officer, a little older than Joe
Setting:
The present, in the living/dining room of Joe’s new two bedroom apartment.