Overview

Synopsis

Playwright Del Shores is known for his comedic takes on religion, LGBT issues, and life in the southern United States. Those themes are still very present in Yellow, but with a markedly different tone than other plays in Shores’ canon. Yellow revolves around the Westmoreland family, who seemingly have a picture-perfect life in Vicksburg, Mississippi--until a serious medical diagnosis forces a devastating secret to the surface. The play moves from sitcom in the first act to domestic drama in the second, with roles for both adult and teen actors who can navigate the emotional shifts. It may serve as a good fit for community theatres looking for emotional, thought-provoking material equally balanced with humor.

Show Information

Book
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2010
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A home in Vicksburg, Mississippi., Present day.
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Bobby Westmoreland

Lead

Male

Kate Westmoreland

Lead

Female

Sister Timothea Parker

Supporting

Female

Dayne Westmoreland

Supporting

Male

Kendall Parker

Supporting

Male

Gracie Westmoreland

Supporting

Female

Songs

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

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

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience at the conclusion of a tragedy or intense dramatic work. It allows viewers to purge feelings of fear, pity, or tension through the resolution of the play’s conflict. The concept dates back to Aristotle, who believed catharsis was central to the purpose of theatre.

    The central struggle between opposing forces in a play, driving tension and character development.

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    A dramatic genre with exaggerated characters and emotions, often including music to enhance moral and emotional stakes.

    Naturalism is a theatrical style that seeks to depict life with accuracy, focusing on everyday speech, behavior, and settings. It often highlights ordinary people in realistic environments, emphasizing authenticity over theatricality. Emerging in the late 19th century, naturalism remains influential in contemporary drama.

    A theatrical movement that strives to depict everyday life and authentic behavior on stage. It often focuses on domestic settings and psychological depth.

    A comedic television format that influences theatrical writing styles with episodic structure and ensemble casts.

    Subtext refers to the unspoken thoughts, emotions, or intentions that lie beneath a character’s dialogue or actions. It provides depth and complexity to performances, allowing audiences to sense hidden conflicts or desires. Directors and actors often rely on subtext to create nuance and tension in storytelling.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Quote Analysis

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright