“Lavender Shore”
© 2003 by Lawson Caldwell
"Lavender Shore" was accepted to the 3rd Annual
Capital Fringe Festival 2008 (Washington, DC)
An “Equity Approved Showcase” of “Lavender Shore” was performed as part of the
manhattantheatresource Playground Development Series in New York during May 2007.
A professional reading of “Lavender Shore” was performed in New York
during November 2006 at the Dramatist Guild of America.
A professional reading of “Lavender Shore” was performed
in Charlotte during June 2005 at Actors Theatre
“Lavender Shore” received Honorable Mention in the Theatre
Resources Unlimited (TRU) Reading Series in New York during 2005.
“Lavender Shore” placed in the top four finalist in SNAPFest
2004 (as did Rudy’s Cakewalk) held in Omaha, Nebraska.
“Lavender Shore” was a semi-finalist in the American Theatre
Co-op’s 2003 Fall Playwriting Contest in La Jolla, CA.
Synopsis
Time: Set in 1936 (Flashback to 1931)
Location: The upstairs Library in the New York City Townhouse of Harrison Anderson
Scene one opens with a wedding taking place downstairs in the townhouse. Gwendolyn walks into the
upstairs library and is approached by the new maid, Lucy. While they chat Charlotte hurries into the
room followed by Thomas, the groom, carrying Daphane, the bride. Daphane has fainted. Thomas and
Charlotte are surprised to see Gwendolyn in the library. Charlotte’s dear friend and doctor, Phillip,
rushes in to attend to Daphane. Thomas notices a telegram clutched in Daphane’s hand. Daphane
was reading the telegram moments before she fainted. Charlotte grabs the telegram and reads the
contents to herself. She then sends Thomas downstairs to host his guests telling him that the telegram
was well wishes from a Senator. Gwendolyn confronts Charlotte about the contents of the telegram.
Lucy interrupts them, stating that a newspaperman is downstairs asking to speak with Charlotte. She
goes to meet the newspaperman. In Charlotte’s absence we learn that Daphane’s first husband,
Harrison, and his valet, Gerald were lost at sea five years ago. Daphane and Harrison had only been
married a month before he disappeared. The telegram Charlotte referred to is really from Harrsion
announcing that he and Gerald have been found on an island and are returning home. Thus, the
reason for Daphane fainting. Daphane comes to and is also surprised to see Gwendolyn. You see,
Gwendolyn was once very close to Harrison and was also engaged to Thomas at one time. Gwendolyn
has motives of her own for visiting Daphane. Unbeknownst to everyone is the fact that Harrison sent a
telegram to Gwendolyn days earlier notifying her of the rescue.
A week later Harrison and Gerald return. Charlotte, worried that Daphane is now married to two men, is
determined that the family will not be drawn into scandal. She tells Daphane that she must choose
which man she wants as her husband. Charlotte has arranged for a Philip to stay in the house to
observe and guide the decision. Harrison and Gerald try to adjust to their return to civilization but their
strong feelings for one another make the transformation difficult. Phillip, who is gay, senses the strong
attraction and closeness between Harrison and Gerald. Gwendolyn keeps everyone wondering about
her intentions, especially after a personal visit with Harrison.
***The era of the thirties is evident with the dramatic dialogue in the play. The costu mes should reflect
the exquisite design of that period.***
Cast of Characters:
- Harrison Anderson– 25 to 30 years of age. Husband of Daphane.
- Daphane Anderson/Darrow – 21 to 26 years of age. Bride of Harrison Anderson.
- Gerald Tyler – British. 27 to 32 years of age. British. Valet to Harrison.
- Gwendolyn Langsford – 21 to 26 years of age. Daphane’s best Friend.
- Lucy – 25 years of age. Irish. The young housekeeper with a tough stubborn personality.
- Thomas Darrow – 25 to 30 years of age. Harrison’s good friend from school.
- Charlotte – 45 to 50 years of age. Daphane’s Aunt.
- Phillip Timmons – 45 years of age. Charlotte’s friend and Physician.