Last Drive to Dodge

by Andrew Lee Creech

FULL LENGTH - 1884, Texas. Ro (a Black domestic worker) and Prophet (a Black cowboy) are in love, and they dream of leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy...

FULL LENGTH - 1884, Texas. Ro (a Black domestic worker) and Prophet (a Black cowboy) are in love, and they dream of leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy Golden Age, Last Drive to Dodge examines race, love, and legacy in a time when everyone is scrambling for their piece of the American Dream.

This play is part of a planned nine-play, multi-century-spanning cycle exploring the lives of Black Americans in pivotal moments of American history.

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Last Drive to Dodge

Recommended by

  • B.Z. Florida: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    A passionate play set during a fascinating time in American history. I love how it takes four strong, forceful characters who are very grounded in the limits of America. But then it introduces the Winds, which manage to represent both the past and future of America, adding a dreamlike sensibility. It wrestles with Great American Themes in an admirable way.

    A passionate play set during a fascinating time in American history. I love how it takes four strong, forceful characters who are very grounded in the limits of America. But then it introduces the Winds, which manage to represent both the past and future of America, adding a dreamlike sensibility. It wrestles with Great American Themes in an admirable way.

    ”
  • Red Theater: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    A vulnerable, sensual story about what it means to claim one's freedom, this play is a special take on the Western form. Come for the gorgeous prose, stay for the deeply nuanced portrayal of Black people seeking the most out of love and life.

    A vulnerable, sensual story about what it means to claim one's freedom, this play is a special take on the Western form. Come for the gorgeous prose, stay for the deeply nuanced portrayal of Black people seeking the most out of love and life.

    ”
  • Blyss Cleveland: Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
    “

    Last Drive to Dodge is a beautiful love story set during post-Reconstruction that details the choices facing Black Americans at this turning point in history. As the protagonists, Ro and Prophet, negotiate their relationship with each other and to their different imagined futures, the world is rapidly changing around them. The language in this play is incredible, and the entire cast is given a lot to work with. I enjoyed reading this and would love to see a full production!

    Last Drive to Dodge is a beautiful love story set during post-Reconstruction that details the choices facing Black Americans at this turning point in history. As the protagonists, Ro and Prophet, negotiate their relationship with each other and to their different imagined futures, the world is rapidly changing around them. The language in this play is incredible, and the entire cast is given a lot to work with. I enjoyed reading this and would love to see a full production!

    ”
View all 15 recommendations

Character Information

  • Ro
    She's been working in the Bailey household for three years of her five year contract. She's too good at caring for and listening to others. She's more imaginative and passionate about stories and nature than her own dreams and desires. But the minute she gives herself permission, she could take over the world.
    30s
    African American/Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Prophet
    A Cowboy on the Bailey ranch. A prideful man with a restless nature, and a deep heart that doesn't know just how deep it is yet. He feels he has a special connection with universe and a prophetic foresight. When he gets a vision, he will make it happen.
    30s
    African American/Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Bennett
    A former Confederate soldier and owner of the Bailey ranch. A widower. A man slowly losing himself, his mobility, his ranch, and everyone around him. He's got many feelings, but only two methods of expressing them: rage and silence. Hard work, making something of yourself, and no complaining are his tenants.
    40s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Millie
    Her recent divorce has left her with the task of rebuilding her life. She takes pride in her fancy clothing and over-enunciation, as it allows her to hide her shameful upbringing. But the more time she spends at home, the more evident that the air of sophistication is just like that fancy clothing...a costume.
    30s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary

Development History

Production History

Awards

  • Outstanding Original Script
    Gregory Awards (Theatre Puget Sound), Nominee
    2024
  • Best Play
    BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards
    Winner
    2023
  • Best New Play or Musical
    BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards
    Winner
    2023