A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Most Deserving

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  3w, 3m

Catherine Trieschmann

Who is the Most Deserving? A tart, sharp skewing of small town cultural wars.

The Most Deserving

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

A small town arts council has $20,000 to award to a local artist with an “under-represented American voice.” Should they choose the teacher/painter of modest talent or the self-taught artist who creates religious figures out of trash? This comedy explores how gossip, politics and opinions of art can decide who is the most deserving.

History

The Most Deserving received its world premiere at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in 2013. The Most Deserving had its' New York premiere at the Women's Project Theatre on the New York City Center Stage II in March 2014. It also played at Theater Schmeater in Seattle, WA in March 2015.

Keywords
Performing Groups
JOLENE ATKINSON - late 40s-50s. Head of the Ellis County Arts Council. Very fit, energetic and controlling. A native Kansan. Caucasian.
TED ATKINSON - early 50s. Jolene's husband. Originally from a suburb of Manchester, England. A bit of a burn out. Reporter at the local paper.
LIZ CHANG - 30s. An assistant art professor at the local community college. Intelligent but her ambition outstrips her ability. Asian-American.
EDIE KELCH - 60s-70s. A recent widow in the midst of an identity crisis. A native Kansan. Caucasian.
DWAYNE DEAN - 50s-60s. An unemployed good ole boy and artist. A native Kansan. Caucasian.
EVERETT WHITESIDE- 40s-60s. A paraplegic, self-taught artist. A native Kansan. African American.
  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day, New Millennium/21st Century
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

REVIEWS

“FRISKY NEW COMEDY!...A big accomplished writer's voice” – The New York Times, Read More

“Smart, hilarious, riveting!” – The New Yorker, Read More

“Insightful!” – Time Out New York, Read More

“A hilarious ride!” – The Village Voice, Read More

“Sharp, Funny, & Witty! Brilliant!” – Curtain Up, Read More

“A delight! Check out this kooky, joyful play.” – New York Theatre Review, Read More

“Delicious & raucous! A brilliant script, inventive direction and impeccable performances! A HIT!” – Theatre Reviews Limited, Read More

“Quick and lively, the laughs keep coming. Hilarious and fun!” – Theater Pizzazz, Read More

RELATED ARTICLES ON BREAKING CHARACTER

THE MOST DESERVING: A Chat with Playwright Catherine Trieschmann
by Courtney Kochuba
February 25, 2015

Videos

  • THE MOST DESERVING at Women's Project Theater youtube thumbnail

    THE MOST DESERVING at Women's Project Theater

  • THE MOST DESERVING Interview Teaser youtube thumbnail

    THE MOST DESERVING Interview Teaser

  • BTS: The Most Deserving youtube thumbnail

    BTS: The Most Deserving

Licensing & Materials

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

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

Catherine Trieschmann

Catherine Trieschmann
Catherine Trieschmann’s plays include The Bridegroom of Blowing Rock, Crooked, How the World Began, Hot Georgia Sunday, The Most Deserving, Holy Laughter, OZ 2.5 and One House Over. Her work has been produced off-Broadway at the Women’s Project, the Bush Theatre (London), Out ...
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