Things Being What They Are
by Wendy Macleod

Name: Things Being What They Are
Brand: Wendy Macleod
SKU: 9780822231691
Rating: 3.8 (5 reviews)

Things Being What They Are Book Cover — Things Being What They Are Cover

Highlights

Male

Unit Set/Multiple Settings

What readers are saying

Readers love the engaging dialogue and realistic portrayal of characters in the play. Many find it to be a charming exploration of male friendship that is both funny and moving, showcasing strong performances from the actors.

Engaging dialogueCharming portrayal of friendshipStrong performancesSome moments may feel disjointed

Synopsis

THE STORY: As Bill anxiously waits for his unfaithful wife and his furniture, he is visited by Jack, a divorced neighbor who suggests the loneliness of life after marriage.

At first Jack appears to be a sitcom character—intrusive, needy, boorish—but gradually Bill's perception of his new “friend” deepens.

While it's true that Jack managed to lose his wife's trust and his children's love, Bill discovers that Jack is wrestling with circumstances that would challenge the best of us.

A funny and wistful exploration of love, loss, masculinity, and the needs that bring people together and drive them apart.

Press Reviews

"Despite (or maybe it's because of) its origin in a female mind, this funny, charming, and rather moving little sleeper of a play from Wendy MacLeod probes the vulnerabilities of heterosexual, middle-class, decaying maleness with…good humor, affection and incisive accuracy.“ —Chicago Tribune ”Middle-aged male angst isn't a new subject for contemporary drama, but it's handled with refreshing subtlety and wit in this serious comedy…sophisticated, with wry observations and literary references…doesn't lose its black wit.“ —Variety. ”MacLeod’s script is by turns acid and tender, and funny in a way that…proceeds powerfully from character and context.“ —Chicago Reader. ”Wendy MacLeod is an expert at whipping moods, characters and events around in all sorts of intriguing ways.“ —Seattle Post-Intelligencer. ”…truly funny and finally tragic…This is a wonderfully intimate play that doesn't pummel audiences with emotion, but rather, serves it up subtly through the veil of youthful dreams "
— Southampton Press