The community theatre I work with is doing Love/Sick in February and I was on the play selection committee that chose it. I loved this play just as much as Almost, Maine, maybe even more. It’s the same style of writing-funny, sweet and warm, but slightly darker than Almost, Maine. The theme is “love and loss.” Ability to double roles or have a large cast, simple set and costumes. I wouldn’t suggest it for high school because the characters really need to be a little older to make it believable, 30’s-40’s. They’ve been married for significant amounts of time, divorced, have children, etc.
Additionally, there’s a greater chance for controversy than with Almost, Maine. Almost can cause a little controversy in some communities because of the scene between two men, who don’t even touch. There are two scenes in Love/Sick involving same-sex relationships. In one, two men who have been dating realize they love each other, in the other, two women with a child are having problems in their marriage. There’s also a gun in one scene (not real, doesn’t fire, but it has to be there) and another scene that mentions sex about 87 times, plus some making out.
It is a GREAT read though, I definitely recommend splurging and taking a little time to read it for pleasure. I could relate to it, I laughed out loud, and can’t wait to see it performed live.
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Ginny Butsch
Community Manager
Educational Theatre Association
Alexandria KY
Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2016 10:20
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: Love/Sick
Has anyone seen or read John Cariani's LOVE/SICK? We had a really great time with ALMOST, MAINE a few years ago, and I'd love to find a play of a similar style and structure. But the manuscript is really expensive, so I hate to spend the money to ready it only to find out that it isn't appropriate for high school. What are your thoughts?
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Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Fishersville VA
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