Description of the Show

In 1979, Washington D.C. was a place where people actually talked to each other...where adversaries fought it out on the Senate floor and then smoothed it out over drinks and hors d'oeuvres. But it was all about to change. In this play spanning 30 years and six presidential administrations, Hester Ferris throws Georgetown dinner parties that can change the course of Washington’s politics. But when her beloved son suddenly turns up with an ambitious Reaganite girlfriend and a shocking new conservative world view, Hester must choose between preserving her family and defending the causes she's spent her whole life fighting for.

Roles & Character Descriptions

• Lead roles play outside their age ranges as indicated in the character descriptions.
• Hester Ferris – Female – Strong, committed political liberal. Glamorous and sensual. Ages from early 50’s to early 80’s through the play.
• Jean Swift – Female – Hester’s sister. Similar opinions as her sister but less aggressive. Ages from early 50’s to early 80’s through the play.
• Colin Ferris – Male – Hester’s son – late 20’s – early 30’s. Questions his mother’s political outlook.
• Ethan Ferris (Age 27) – Male – son of Colin and Anna – estranged from his grandmother but leaning in her liberal political direction – played by the same actor as Colin Ferris.
• Anna Fitzgerald – Female – Colin’s fiancée/wife – late 20’s – early 30’s.
• George Mallonee – Male – conservative senator from Kentucky – 50’s.
• Chandler Harris – Male – patrician, liberal senator from Virginia – early 50’s – 80’s.
• Carolyn Mallonee – Female – George’s wife – respected and experienced in the ways of Washington politice – 50’s.
• Ethan Ferris (Age 6) – Male – typical 6 year-old – bright, mischievous, observant.
• Donald – (Age 27) – Male – Man of color – Ethan’s partner – like Ethan, on the liberal side of politics.