Overview
Synopsis
Captivating, witty, yet compassionate, Mary Jane is the story of a mother in an impossible family situation. Mary Jane is a single mother with a young son suffering from cerebral palsy. Together they live in a tiny, cramped apartment in Queens, New York. The boy is never seen, but from time to time we get a glimpse into his small, dark bedroom. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Mary Jane retains an unfathomable optimism and sense of humor. She builds a community of women around her who become her makeshift family and provide the wisdom and stability she needs to get by day-by-day. However, when her son’s condition takes a turn for the worse, can friendships old and new support her when she needs it most?
Show Information
- Book
- Amy Herzog
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2017
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- New York City, June-October, Present Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- All-Female Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Mary Jane was commissioned by and had its world premiere at Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 28, 2017. It was directed by Anne Kauffman. It then had its New York premiere at New York Theatre Workshop on September 6, 2017 with Carrie Coon starring as Mary Jane. The play won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play in 2018.
Mary Jane had its Broadway premiere in 2024 starring Rachel McAdams. The production received 4 Tony Award nominations, including
to read the context for Mary Jane and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
Scene One
Mary Jane is at home in her small apartment in Queens. She is chatting to Ruthie, the building supervisor, who is plunging the kitchen sink. Mary Jane is on her own as the scheduled carer for her young son called out sick. As they talk, a beeping is heard from the small offstage bedroom. The loud drone of a suction machine can be heard, but Mary Jane’s son, Alex, is out of sight. After checking on him, Mary Jane returns to pick up her conversation with Ruthie. Ruthie
to read the plot for Mary Jane and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
The name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher