Explore this Show

Overview

Synopsis

First produced in 1990, Marvin’s Room tells the story of two sisters, Bessie and Lee. They have not seen each other for many years but when Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, Lee travels to Florida to be tested as a bone marrow donor for her sister. Bessie has cared single-handedly for their father, Marvin, who suffered a severe stroke and is now bed-bound. She also looks after their eccentric Aunt Ruth, who has electrodes (her “cure”) wired up to her brain to help ease the pain of three collapsed vertebrae. Bessie cares for her father and aunt without question, despite the leukemia becoming increasingly aggressive. Lee has been estranged from the family for years and does not understand Bessie’s selfless service to the family. However, when Lee arrives with her two troubled sons, Hank (who is in a mental institution after burning down their house) and Charlie (who permanently has his head in a book, yet is struggling badly at school), the trio find themselves gradually transformed for the better by the guileless Bessie. Lee is, at last, able to show some affection and care for her dying sister when she offers to style Bessie’s wig. Despite its potentially sombre plot, Marvin’s Room is both funny and touching in equal measure.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1990
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
florida, ohio, 1990s
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Includes Adult, Elderly, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Early Teen Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Bessie

Lead

Female

Spoken

Lee

Lead

Female

Spoken

Ruth

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Doctor Wally

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Charlie

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Doctor Charlotte

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Hank

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Bob

Featured

Male

Spoken

Marvin

Featured

Male

Silent

Retirement Home Director

Featured

Female

Spoken

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

Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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

Quote Analysis

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

Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher