Mountain Mamas

Patsy Armstrong is a coal miner. Just like her daddy, Earl. And just like her mother, Wanda, who, at 60 years old, is still there. As of this week, Patsy’s back in her mother and daddy’s house, after a mining accident that left her with no ability to move or communicate. Her bright 18-year old daughter, Livvy, now lives there too. In a home that’s full of humor and generosity and rowdiness and grit. But a home...

Patsy Armstrong is a coal miner. Just like her daddy, Earl. And just like her mother, Wanda, who, at 60 years old, is still there. As of this week, Patsy’s back in her mother and daddy’s house, after a mining accident that left her with no ability to move or communicate. Her bright 18-year old daughter, Livvy, now lives there too. In a home that’s full of humor and generosity and rowdiness and grit. But a home—not to mention a whole dang planet—that’s under more pressure than maybe it’s ever been. When the family gets news about the settlement from Patsy’s accident, Livvy jumps into the fray. And Patsy, now forced to listen and observe more than she ever did as a healthy person, is plagued by nightmares and revelations she’s able to share only with us. In this story of resilience and redemption, it doesn’t take long for her to realize she has to learn a new way of being if she’s gonna save her entire world.

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Mountain Mamas

Recommended by

  • Amanda Collins: Mountain Mamas

    Truly insane character work, with a thrilling environment to boot.

    Truly insane character work, with a thrilling environment to boot.

  • Lauren Searl: Mountain Mamas

    Absolutely beautiful, with amazing characterization.

    Absolutely beautiful, with amazing characterization.

  • Audrey Cefaly: Mountain Mamas

    Saw a reading of this piece at Florida Rep PlayLab. Tightly-drawn character study. Bold and self-assured, Fazio knows about the power of distillation.

    Saw a reading of this piece at Florida Rep PlayLab. Tightly-drawn character study. Bold and self-assured, Fazio knows about the power of distillation.

View all 8 recommendations
PATSY ARMSTRONG, f, 30s to 40s
WANDA ARMSTRONG, f, 60s
LIVVY ARMSTRONG, f 18
EARL ARMSTRONG, m, 60s

Development History

Production History

Awards

  • Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights
    Barter Theatre
    Selection
    2021
  • National Playwrights Conference
    O'Neill Theatre Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Finalist
    2021