The Heart of the Matter features a prelude and six monologues written for performance by older actresses. Through a diverse collection of characters and stories, the ups and downs of long and varied lives are presented in a poignant comedy about journeys of the heart.

The play offers great flexibility in relation to casting, set, and running time: The cast may range from three to six actresses, and all scenes may be performed on a single unit set. The play runs approximately an hour and a half, and, since each piece stands alone, particular pieces may be selected for a shorter program, if desired.

Scene Descriptions.

Bonuses (prelude): A lighthearted tally of the rewards of aging.

Intuition:  A housewife “of a certain age” leads a secret life of wild, romantic escapades.

Feathered Friends: A talkative widow attempts to teach three stubborn parrots the art of conversation.

Hearts in Flux:  A grandmother reveals the truth about her sixties-era hippie life.

Walking the Dog at Night:  A dark street at a late hour—and the title says it all!

What’s in a Name?:  An aristocratic Boston dowager arrives at a surprising revelation.

Homecoming:  A woman who has had a very difficult childhood transforms the lemon that life has handed her into delicious lemonade.

Productions and Honors

Produced by Barnstormers Theatre, Grants Pass, Oregon, 2009, readings of “Homecoming” at Gallerie Karon and Temple Emek Shalom, Ashland, Oregon,2009, ‘Feathered Friends”, semi-finalist, ten-minute play category, 2009 Eileen Heckart Drama for Seniors Competition, sponsored by The Ohio State University.