The Sum of Us
by David Stevens
What readers are saying
Readers appreciate the heartfelt and humorous storytelling in this play. They value the portrayal of supportive familial relationships and the authenticity of the characters. The narrative resonates with themes of love and acceptance, which many find uplifting and relevant.
Synopsis
A hit Off Broadway and later a film starring Russell Crowe, this play by gifted Australian writer David Stevens explores the volatile relationship between an aging widower and his gay son.
After meeting in a local pub, Jeff and a young gardener, Greg, hit it off and begin to date.
When he meets Jeff’s stubborn, opinionated dad, however, Greg begins to back off.
Meanwhile, Dad also has a new flame: a woman he met through a dating service.
Put off by Jeff’s homosexuality, prosaic Joyce, too, pulls away, just before Dad suffers a stroke.
Press Reviews
"A father-son play with a big heart. Its first act has plenty of laughs, while the second half balances humor and pathos and includes a surprising conclusion [...] ought to run in resident theaters and summer stock for years to come."
— Variety
"An old-fashioned play in the best sense. There's a real story and fully developed characters an audience can care about."
— Associated Press
Publication
The Sum of Us is a comedy play written by David Stevens and published by Samuel French (1991).
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Performance Rights
Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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