About the Play:

Loose Ends has long been a favourite of acting teachers for female/female scenes.

Loose Ends is a full-length dramatic comedy by Michael Weller. How can two people remain individuals in a committed relationship? Follows the tumultuous tale of a world-travelling man and woman, from their first meeting on a beach in Bali to their marriage in Boston where the young couple struggle with their conflicting opinions on the importance of having a career versus having a family.

Loose Ends is a bittersweet romance set against the backdrop of the turbulent social changes during the 1970s. Paul is a Peace Corps dropout and Susan is in free-fall when they meet on a beach in Bali. Later in Boston, they live together and then marry. Separating briefly, reconciling in a New York penthouse, she has become a successful photographer; he a successful film editor. Paul wants children and Susan does not. Recriminations follow as Paul bitterly denounces her for having had an abortion six months earlier without his knowledge or consent as her birthday celebration turns a shambles. One final, brief reunion is attempted but the couple comes to terms with the failure of their once romantic notions. 

Loose Ends had a pre-Broadway engagement in 1979 at Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage and premiered at Circle-In-The-Square on Broadway in New York City. The play has become a favourite scene study vehicle in acting classes and workshops and is regularly performed in regional repertory and college theatre productions as it includes two substantial lead roles and several good supporting parts.

Cast: 4 female, 7 male

What people say:

"Will undoubtedly play in resident theatres all over the country. Strongly written, sensitively felt, theatrically effective." — Newsweek

"It's easy to see why an acting company would select Michael Weller's 1979 dramedy as a vehicle to showcase its members' talents, as it includes two substantial lead roles and several good supporting parts." — Backstage

"Honest… resonant and haunting." — New York Times

About the Playwright:

Michael Weller is the author of over forty plays and movies. His stage plays have been performed throughout the world, and his work has been awarded an Oscar nomination, New York Critics' Outer Circle Award, Rockefeller Grant, Kennedy Center for New American Drama Award and a citation from the NAACP for outstanding contributions.