An American Wife
by: Karen Blomain & Michael Downend
A Full-length Drama in Two Acts
2M / 3W / 1F Child
Approximate Playing Time: 2 hours
When Frank Flynn returns home from fighting in the war to his little coal mining town in Pennsylvania, he doesn’t get the welcome he expected. His mother, Nanna, doesn’t appreciate his bringing back a Polish war bride, especially with him engaged to her best friend’s daughter. His new wife, Stella, finds trying to fit into the little house, already crowded with Nanna, Frank’s brother, Phil, his wife and their young daughter, Jody, is as difficult as fitting into a small, prejudiced, Irish Catholic community. But Stella, who lost everything to World War II, has more will and courage than anyone could have imagined. When the mines shut down from lack of work, Stella leads the way to women working in the mills, and with a baby on the way, must come to terms with her nearly unbearable losses and the revelation that she took someone else’s sweetheart. Stella's haunted and painful past not only brings her new family together but also imbues those around her with her optimism and verve. The story is pre-feminist feminist, working class, blue collar, and small town– anytown USA. This amazingly heartfelt story of this strong-willed Irish Catholic family as they struggle to accept the challenges of their post war life is one every theater will cherish. And with its ties to the holiday season, it will remind audiences everywhere that angels come in all shapes and sizes, at Christmas and throughout the year. $20 Single-Use Copyright Fee plus $60 Royalty per Performance for Amateur Theatre. Professional Theatre Royalties Calculated on Application.