The Firestorm by Meridith Friedman
Gaby and Patrick, an interracial political power couple hot on the campaign trail, are thrust into the center of a media frenzy when a racially charged incident from Patrick's past surfaces. As the pressure intensifies, the political becomes explosively personal and the foundation of their seemingly picture-perfect marriage begins to fracture.
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The Firestorm
Cheryl Bear:
" A powerful place about the tensions of a couple in politics when a past racial indiscretion is brought to the surface. It shakes everything including their marriage. Well done. "
Skye Robinson Hillis:
" I love this play! It's smart, fast-paced, and extraordinarily topical with immensely watchable characters. Meridith has such a lovely voice. "
Emma Goldman-Sherman:
" Well-written piece that kept me guessing the whole time. Meridith really understands how to create tension in the audience. Such a light touch on some very tough material, and yet all the confrontations we want are there. "
View all 7 recommendations
mid to late 30's,
An antitrust attorney. Partner at a well-respected firm in Columbus, Ohio. She's got a quick, dry wit. A well-practiced pokerface. She is strategic–not to be confused with manipulative–in all aspects of her life.
Can be played by:
30s, 40s
Race/Ethnicity:
Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
late 30's to mid 40's,
Candidate for Governor of Ohio. Married to Gaby. While impressive and magnetic, his inner geek still surfaces from time to time. He's got a let's-roll-up-our-sleeves-and-get-to-work approach to politics. But that doesn't mean he doesn't know the game. Or how to play it.
late 20's,
Patrick's assistant campaign manager. High energy. A little awkward. Sometimes her mouth moves a step faster than her brain. But she is neither ditzy nor dumb. Knows when to take charge. Her career takes top billing in her life.
late 30's to mid 40's ,
The CEO and founder of a successful software company in Atlanta. A father of two. A quiet kid who grew into himself. He walks into a room and commands attention. Not because he's aggressive or insistent–it's because he knows exactly who he is.
LOCAL Theatre Company
Florida Repertory Theatre
Kitchen Dog Theatre - New Works Festival
Stage Left - Playwriting Residency and Workshop
The Dramatist Guild Fellowship
First Folio
Theatre on the Lake/Stage Left Remount
Kitchen Dog Theatre
Stage Left Theatre
dark comedy, drama, political
Subject Matter Keywords:
Race, gender, interracial, marriage, American politics, Political Corruption
Cast Size:
Age Appropriateness:
Narrative Attributes:
Centers Characters of Color, Centers Female Characters