Monologue from The Visitor in the Doorway Published in Best Women's Stage Monologues Anthology
I’m happy to share that a monologue, Holding Tightly, from my play, THE VISITOR IN THE DOORWAY, was published in the Smith and Kraus anthology of BEST WOMEN’S STAGE MONOLOGUES 2025 edited by Debbie Lamedman (I know I’m a little late to announce here!). Thank you to Debbie Lamedman and S & K for allowing my monologue and play to reach a larger audience through this great anthology (so many other wonderful monologues in here!). Flip through it here!
THE VISITOR IN THE DOORWAY is a psychological drama/dark comedy for two actors. After a life-altering event, Clare pulls away from everyone she knows and isolates herself in a secluded family cabin in the woods. But when a familiar, yet unwelcome, visitor (Grief, personified) shows up at her door and refuses to leave, she must decide if she will let him inside. It has wonderful deep drama, but it also has absurdity and humor sprinkled in from the self-depricating Grief.
In the monologue, HOLDING TIGHTLY, Grief has been allowed one foot in Clare’s cabin doorway, but she is not happy he’s there. Grief has been trying to get Clare to let him inside and asks her if she is ready to tell him about the recent tragedy she has been through. In this monologue, she finally opens up enough to tell him, in her own words, about the pain of experiencing multiple unimaginable losses.
HOLDING TIGHTLY, featured in this anthology, is a powerful dramatic piece for an actor really looking to sink into the psychological and emotional after-effects of loss. Clare is angry, exhausted, filled with regret and guilt, irritated with Grief, and holds extreme intense sadness. It’s a beautiful and touching monologue as Clare starts to confront what has happened to her, through the support of Grief, standing by and listening. While the casting for the play is generally female/20s-40s, this monologue, on its own, can be performed by anyone it resonates with—any gender, any age.
My appreciation goes out to all the talented and supportive artists in this play’s first production at Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT): Marna Lawrence directed, Shenendoah Thompson played Grief, Emily Aronoff played Clare, Alan Lutwin, Executive Director of WCT produced, Kevin Christopher Snipes and Albi Gorn provided dramaturgical support. Also gratitude to the theater folk who continue to bring this play to life. From theater companies to colleges and even teenagers in high school, those who have taken it on know that this dark comedy/drama is challenging but rewarding in such a unique way. This play holds a special place in my heart, and I’m honored it continues to resonate with artistic teams and audiences.
Flip through the anthology it here!
You can find the whole play, THE VISITOR IN THE DOORWAY, here or below.
You can pick up the anthology here or click below for the monologue alone.
In this 1.5-2 dramatic minute monologue for a female actor (could be any gender), Clare speaks to personified Grief (who keeps trying to get inside her family cabin) about a recent horrific tragedy that has broken her.
After a life-altering event, Clare runs away from everyone she knows and isolates herself in a secluded cabin. But when a familiar, yet unwelcome, visitor shows up at her door and refuses to leave, she must decide if she should let him inside.
DETAILS
Cast: 1 female (20s-30s) 1 male (could be not gender specific; any age)
Running time: 15-20 minutes
Setting: A cabin in the woods
Time: Contemporary
Genre: Drama/psychological drama/dark comedy