Something Happened in Our Town

Written by Cheryl L. West
Based on the book by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP; Marietta Collins, PhD; and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP;
Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

Based on the acclaimed book,Something Happened in Our Townfollows the journey of Josh and Emma after something terrible happens in their town. A Black man was killed by a white police officer, and they have real questions that deserve real answers. By following the conversations of these two families, one white and one Black, we discover that the answers to those questions don’t come easily. Award-winning playwright Cheryl L. West has layered this play with compassion, humor, and relatable characters. This show invites you to walk alongside Josh and Emma as they confront uncertainty within their own town and seek to plant the seeds of change in their community.

$12.00

Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 90 minutes
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 12 roles + optional ensemble

Full Details

Roles:

  • Emma Hartley, white, 8
  • Sue Hartley, white, Emma's Mom
  • Uncle Manny, white
  • Josh Perkins, Black, 8
  • Malcolm Perkins, Black, 16
  • Calvin Perkins, Black, Dad
  • Bella Perkins, Black, Mom
  • Ms. Garcia, teacher
  • Daniel, white, 8
  • Sophia, Black, 8
  • Ling, Asian, 8
  • Omar, Latinx, 8

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.
  • Permission to utilize illustrations from the original book for your marketing and advertising.

Cheryl L. West

Cheryl L. West's plays include: Something Happened in Our Town, Last Stop on Market Street, Akeelah & the Bee, Mwindo, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Addy: American Girl Story, and Pullman Porter Blues. Her plays have been seen in England, Off-Broadway, on Broadway (Play On!)and in numerous regional theaters around the country. She has written TV and film projects at Disney, Paramount, MTV Films, Showtime, TNT, HBO, CBS and is the Webby-nominated writer for the original web series Diary of a Single Mom. Ms. West is the recipient of several awards: American Alliance For Theatre & Education (AATE) Distinguished Play Award (2016), the 2016 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award, the Helen Hayes/Charles McArthur award for outstanding new play, the Susan Smith Blackburn prize, an international playwriting award for distinguished new plays, the National Endowment Playwriting Award and the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Best Playwright Award.

Originally produced in Children's Theatre Company's 21-22 season

Preview the Show

Something Happened in Our Town at Fort Wayne Youtheatre

Reviews

“

The beauty of the piece is that it gives parents a way to begin talking about these difficult realities with their kids.

- The Stages MN
“

It might be the most valuable theatergoing experience that many families with young children have had.

- Pioneer Press