Other Desert Cities
by Jon Robin Baitz

Name: Other Desert Cities
Brand: Jon Robin Baitz
SKU: 9780802145659
Rating: 3.5 (1181 reviews)

BroadwayOff-BroadwayWest End

Other Desert Cities Book Cover — Other Desert Cities Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 minsPresent DayInterior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican

Awards & Recognition

Pulitzer PrizeTony Award

Finalist: 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Winner! One 2012 Tony Award Nominee: Five 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Play

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the sharp writing and emotional depth of the play, noting its strong character development and surprising twists. Many find it a compelling exploration of family dynamics and secrets, marked by witty dialogue. While some readers express concerns about the specific focus on affluent families, the overall reception remains positive with excitement for its potential staging.

Sharp writing and witty dialogueEmotional and gripping narrativeStrong character developmentFocused on affluent families' problems

Synopsis

A political family confronts its dark history in this Pulitzer Prize-finalist play “with gleaming dialogue [and] tantalizing hints of a dangerous mystery” (Ben Brantley, The New York Times).

Winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play

Brooke Wyeth hasn’t been home to visit her parents in years.

But now she’s back in Palm Springs for Christmas, and she has a startling announcement to make.

Brooke is about to publish a detailed and intimate family memoir—one that will open a wound her politically prominent parents don’t want reopened.

First appearing on Broadway in a hit production starring Stacy Keach and Stockard Channing, Other Desert Cities “examine[s] the fractiousness of American politics through the prism of one family” (David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter).

ThemesAuthorship--Psychological aspects Authorship--Psychological aspects--Drama Brothers and sisters Brothers and sisters--Drama Families Families--Drama Mothers and daughters--Drama Mothers and daughters PS3552.A393 O84 2011

Press Reviews

"Astutely drawn… juicy and surprising."
— New York Daily News

"The most richly enjoyable new play for grown-ups that New York has known in many seasons… In his most fully realized play to date, Mr. Baitz makes sure our sympathies keep shifting among the members of the wounded family portrayed here. Every one of them emerges as selfish, loving, cruel, compassionate, irritating, charming and just possibly heroic. Other Desert Cities leaves you feeling both moved and gratifyingly sated."
— The New York Times

"Spending time with these messed-up, complicated people is a genuine pleasure."
— New York Post

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Polly Wyeth Whip-smart.	—	—	Whip-smart.
Lyman Wyeth Brooke’s oak-like father, sturdy in the way of old Californians of a particular type.	male	—	Brooke’s oak-like father, sturdy in the way of old Californians of a particular type.
Silda Grauman Brooke’s mother, elegant and forthright.	female	—	Brooke’s mother, elegant and forthright.
Trip Wyeth Brooke’s younger brother; a bright, funny man, perhaps a decade her junior.	female	—	Brooke’s younger brother; a bright, funny man, perhaps a decade her junior.
Brooke Wyeth An attractive and dry woman.	female	—	An attractive and dry woman.