Terms of Endearment

Adapted by Dan Gordon

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Emma is often exasperated by her highly-opinionated mother, Aurora, they talk every day about their problems, from Aurora finding unexpected love even as she becomes a reluctant grandmother, to Emma’s struggle in her troubled marriage. But when they need one another most, will they be able to find courage in each other? This funny and touching story captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers, both old and new..

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Reviews

“A theatrical gem. . . .Terms of Endearment is an enthralling, realistic portrayal of humankind with all of its affection, humor and conflict.” — Broadway World

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“A beautiful adaptation of a movie classic, using a light touch to illuminate the deepest and most important expressions of compassion and human decency . . . Dan Gordon’s brilliant rewriting of 1983’s blockbuster film of the same name takes the theater audience through 23 years of mother-daughter conflict and angst. There is not a wasted word.” — Theatre is Easy

 

More than 40 productions around the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Estonia | Available for license through Playscripts.

 

Analysis:

Dramaturgy: Great Roles for Actors

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• The challenges in life and love test the resilience of a mother and daughter relations

• Broadway caliber talent, starring Molly Ringwald and directed by Michael Parva (Irena’s Vow); UK tour starring Linda Grey.

 

Story Elements: Universal Appeal

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• Adaptation of the popular book by Larry McMurtry and Academy Award-winning movie by James L. Brooks

• Timeless story appealing to large audience

 

Cost: Modest Production

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• Low-running costs: six actors and unit set

• Built for Off Broadway and sit-downs at regional theaters across the country

 

Marketing: Audience Tested

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• Major success as novel and movie and on tour in the U.K.