Dot
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.
Cast & Crew
DOT – (played by AVA GARDNER) is the matriarch of the Sealy Family in her mid-sixties/early seventies.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease one year prior, her condition is progressing rapidly. She is the
Mother to Shelly, Donnie, and Averie.
SHELLY – (played by TAWANDA CARSWELL) is Dotty’s eldest daughter, forty-five years old with one son named
Jason. She is the Primary family caregiver to Dot. Responsible for her safety, security and mental well
being. She juggles being a mother, a public defender, a daughter, sister and caretaker. With so many
roles to fulfill, she is at the end her rope.
JACKIE- (played by RACHEL GRAGE)is a long-time neighbor and Donnie’s ex-girlfriend currently living in
Harlem, New York. Her family was close with the Shealy’s growing up and she has not overcome the pain
she experienced through her break-up with high-school sweetheart, Donnie. Running away from her life
in New York, she returns home to make a decision about her unexpected pregnancy.
DONNIE- (played by PHEDRE J. DELINOIS) is Dot’s middle child. A forty year old gay man, he lives in New
York and works as a musicologist and freelance writer He comes to grips with Dot’s condition and is
forced to face his past and his future through Jackie and his husband Adam.
ADAM- (played by TBD) is Donnie’s husband and his forty years old. He provides support to each
member of the family at different times. He values healthy living, maintaining strong family ties, but
comes to important realizations about his relationship with Donnie.
AVERIE- (played by FELECIA EWING) is Dot’s youngest child, thirty-eight years old and living in Shelly’s
basement. Tensions are high between her and her sister. Full of energy, she chases her dream of being a
celebrity reality star. Not afraid to speak her mind, she struggles to reconcile her new found
responsibility in the face of her family’s changing needs.
FIDEL- (played by JOHNNY WARREN) is Dot’s caregiver up to three days a week. Hired via Craigslist, he is
from Kazakhstan and works for fifty dollars a day. he has not been home in nine years and shares a very
special connection with Dotty, He is actively working on securing a political asylum.
Watch & Listen
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