

Coastal Disturbances: Four Plays
Tina Howe
Awards & Recognition
Nominee: Three 1987 Tony Awards, including Best Play
What readers are saying
Readers have mixed opinions about the play, with some finding it heartwarming while others describe it as unpleasant and contrived. The narrative's shift from realism to absurdity fails to engage many viewers. Overall, the reception leans towards negative, with a few expressing a desire to see it performed live despite their critiques.
Cast - 3m, 4f, 1boy, 1girl.
Settings Of Play - A stretch of private beach on the North shore of Massachusetts somewhere between Marblehead and Gloucester.
A Broadway hit which gave Annette Bening and Tim Daly early stage roles, this charming ensemble play follows four generations of vacationers on a Massachusetts beach, focusing on a romance between a lifeguard and a kooky young photographer.
"Will appeal only to play goers who like charming and sympathetic characters, tender romance, laughs and rueful wisdom about the pitfalls of love."
— Variety
"Whosoever's heart this play does not break, whosoever's soul it does not enthrall, may just lack those organs."
— New York Magazine
| Character |
|---|
| Holly Dancer A photographer from new York, 24 |
| Faith Bigelow Five months pregnant, 35 |
| Miranda Bigelow Her adopted daughter, 7 |
| Ariel Took Faith's guest, 36 |
| Winston Took Her son, 8 |
| Dr. Hamilton Adams An eminant eye surgeon, now retired, 72 |
| M.J. Adams His wife, an amateur painter, 68 |
| Andre Sor Owner of the Andre Sor Gallery, European born, 49 |
| Leo Hart The lifeguard, 28 |
Coastal Disturbances is a American comedy play written by Tina Howe and published by Samuel French in New York (1987).
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Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)
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