Norman, Is That You?
by Ron Clark, Sam Bobrick

Name: Norman, Is That You?
Brand: Ron Clark
SKU: 9780573613135
Rating: 2.7 (9 reviews)

Norman, Is That You? Book Cover — Norman, Is That You? Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

90 minsPresent DayStrong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)Interior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesBritish Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about the play, with some feeling it has outdated and offensive portrayals of homosexuality and racial terms. Many believe it tries to tackle family dynamics but falls short due to its tone deafness and lack of sensitivity, especially for a contemporary audience.

Interesting premise of family dynamicsAttempts humor in tough topicsOutdated and offensive languageTone deaf portrayal of homosexuality

Synopsis

A dry cleaner from Ohio arrives in New York to visit his adult son Norman after his wife runs off with his own brother.

Instead of the solace he is expecting, he finds more turmoil when he discovers his son is living with Garson, a male partner.

The irascible and stubborn father struggles comically with his denial of Norman's orientation and his begrudging respect for Garson, even seeking out a lady of the night to set Norman straight.

In the end, this loving father comes face to face with his affection for his son and his wife, who shows up repentant in New York.

Love and hilarity triumph.

Press Reviews

"This is a new, radical rewrite [that] revolves around a realistic, caring portrayal of a gay man and his parents.... Funny and ultimately affecting."
— The Kansas City Star

"One laugh after another... It doesn't get any better."
— Kansas City Kansan

"A real treat."
— Sun Newspapers

"A funny play... about values, love and human behavior."
— KC Alive

"Uproarious!"
— NBC TV

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Norman Chambers A young man in his mid-twenties	male	—	A young man in his mid-twenties
Garson Hobart Norman's boyfriend, in his mid-twenties	male	—	Norman's boyfriend, in his mid-twenties
Mary A lady of the evening, in her mid-twenties	female	—	A lady of the evening, in her mid-twenties
Beatrice Chambers Ben's wife, Norman's mother, in her early fifties	female	—	Ben's wife, Norman's mother, in her early fifties
Ben Chambers A man in his early fifties	male	—	A man in his early fifties