An American Daughter
Wendy Wasserstein
Opening Date:
January 14, 2005
Closing Date:
February 5, 2005
Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes seems to have everything: a successful medical career, a prominent family, a loving husband, and a nomination to become the next United States Surgeon General. But when an incident from her past becomes the center of a national media scandal, her carefully balanced world begins to unravel. As political pressures mount and loyalties are tested, Lyssa must decide how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice for the career she has worked so hard to achieve. Directed by Rhonda Clark and starring Lilli Bassett, Wendy Wasserstein’s An American Daughter is a sharp, thought-provoking comedy-drama about ambition, friendship, family, and the price of public life.
Cast & Crew
Lyssa Dent Hughes — Lilli Bassett
Quincy Quince — Amanda Mimms
Judith B. Kaufman — Jan Williams
Walter Abrahmson — Terry Masters
Morrow McCarthy — Rodney Brazil
Timber Tucker — Corey Whaley
Senator Alan Hughes — Bob Cross
Charlotte “Chubby” Hughes — Jayme Howell
Jimmy — Christi Newbury
Billy Robbins — Steven Gillmore
Television Crew — Tom Gibson
TV & Radio Voices — Rick Allen Lippert, Ron Williams, Jon Womastek, Heather Potter, Steve English
Boys’ Voices — Lane Cooper, Daniel Fernandez
CREW
Director — Rhonda Clark
Set & Costume Design — Corey Martin
Light & Sound Design — Steven Gillmore
Stage Manager — Christi Newbury
Sound & Video Technician — Amanda Wendelken
Light Board Control — Miguel Hallman
Set Construction — Corey Martin, Tom Gibson
Scenic Painting — Corey Martin, Rhonda Clark, Amanda Wendelken
Properties — Rhonda Clark, Christi Newbury
Running Crew — Tom Gibson
Poster Design — Phil Carlton
Production Notes
About the Play
Wendy Wasserstein’s political comedy-drama follows Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes, a prominent women’s health advocate nominated for U.S. Surgeon General. Television coverage exposes an incident from her past, triggering a political and family crisis. Wasserstein drew inspiration from controversies surrounding Clinton attorney-general candidates Zoë Baird and Kimba Wood.
Production Details
Television and radio voices, along with dedicated video support, reinforced the play’s media theme.
Support & Recognition
The production received an Oklahoma Arts Council project assistance grant and was an Allied Arts Star Card event.
Press Coverage
The Oklahoman featured the production on January 14, 2005, in “Weighing the Odds” and “10 in Town & 10 Around.” Additional coverage appeared in The Journal Record on January 6, 2005.
Special Thanks
Sadri Rugs; Elliott Schwartz, D.O.; Jon Womastek; John Spence; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Thrash; Nick Backes; Jon Haque; Price Wooldridge; Jeff Morava; John Olson; Clayton Bruner; Randi Carson; Suzanne Charney; Vikki Simer.
Licensing
Licensed by Dramatists Play Service, Inc.