Our Landlady

More about the book

The action takes place in an apartment building in Chelsea, a trendy enclave of lower Manhattan. As the play begins, a memorial service is in progress, honoring the memory of the landlady, Mrs. Birchmire. Her tenants, seven gay men, recall their beloved friend through a series of lighthearted vignettes. The characters come from the audience and walk to a podium center stage and, as they remember their happiest times with Mrs. Birchmire, they move from the podium and into the memory scene.The scenes in this two-act comedy are snapshots frozen in time about a strong-willed woman who inspired her tenants to be themselves. They present a group of individuals who are open and affirming, and who treasure and value their experiences with her. Their relationships become enhanced and accentuated. Their words become honest and revealing. Their lives become illuminated, lightened, and meaningful in a play that promotes the luminous values of understanding, concern, and friendship.