Thicker Than Water

Synopsis:

The Ashmore family’s Christmas is in danger of being ruined when Rob Ashmore’s short-tempered, out-of-touch, bigoted chain smoker of a mother, Evangeline, invites herself over for Christmas the night before. However, when she collapses from a heart attack during a cigarette break, Rob, along with his wife, Sheila, and his children, Brianna and Dylan, discover a more human side of Evangeline who she could never reveal in life, along with Sheila’s religious trauma that compelled her and Rob to raise their children atheist.

Characters:

ROBERT “ROB” ASHMORE: The father, early-mid 40’s. Works as a lawyer, enjoys hockey, and often feels trapped between trying to please his mother, EVANGELINE, while also respecting the wishes of his wife, SHEILA, and his children, BRIANNA and DYLAN. He can be short-tempered at times, but he sincerely loves his family.

SHEILA MILLER-ASHMORE: The mother, late 30’s or early 40’s. Long-time atheist, and works as a figure skating coach. Dislikes EVANGELINE, because she finds her to be selfish and judgemental.

BRIANNA ASHMORE: The daughter, age ten. Dances ballet, and belongs to the Girl Guides. Very intelligent and street-wise, but has a tendency to question everything. Although she and her brother DYLAN argue from time to time, they are ultimately very close.

DYLAN ASHMORE: The son, age seven. He is a Beaver Scout, and loves dinosaurs, robots, and, despite some normal sibling rivalry, is very close with his sister, BRIANNA. Also intelligent, but struggles with reading, and has a tendency to take things too literally.

EVANGELINE ASHMORE: ROB’S mother, 70’s, British, and addicted to smoking. EVANGELINE hails from the United Kingdom, but emigrated to Canada as a young adult. Dislikes SHEILA because she feels that she has “stolen” her son.

MALE MIME: Plays the role of PAUL ASHMORE (ROB’S father), and TEENAGE ROB, during ROB’S memory in Act I, Scene iv: REDEMPTION, REMINISCENCE, and REVELATION, and the role of FATHER ABRAHAM (SHEILA’s childhood priest) during SHEILA’S memory in the same scene.

FEMALE MIME: Plays the role of PAST EVANGELINE, and then TEENAGE SHEILA during ROB’S memory in Act I, Scene iv: REDEMPTION, REMINISCENCE, and REVELATION, and the role of YOUNG SHEILA during SHEILA’s memory in the same scene.

A POLICE OFFICER (MALE; played by the same actor as the MALE MIME)

A PARAMEDIC (FEMALE; played by the same actor as the FEMALE MIME)

Resources:

Play can be accessed by emailing the author at emily_adams84@yahoo.ca

Warnings:

Death, Profanity, Religion