Dorothy's Dictionary

by E. M. Lewis

Sparks fly when Zan, an angry high school student, is forced to work off his community service assignment helping Dorothy, an ailing librarian. But each of them might just have what the other needs... if they can only find the words.

Sparks fly when Zan, an angry high school student, is forced to work off his community service assignment helping Dorothy, an ailing librarian. But each of them might just have what the other needs... if they can only find the words.

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Dorothy's Dictionary

Recommended by

  • Palm Beach Dramaworks: Dorothy's Dictionary

    Dorothy's Dictionary was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2021. A gorgeous, heartfelt, and heart-warming piece about hopes and dreams, personal integrity, the power of words, and the impact of human connection and interaction. A lovely two-hander with universal staying power.

    Dorothy's Dictionary was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2021. A gorgeous, heartfelt, and heart-warming piece about hopes and dreams, personal integrity, the power of words, and the impact of human connection and interaction. A lovely two-hander with universal staying power.

  • Michael Shutt: Dorothy's Dictionary

    A powerful play with vivid characters, a compelling story, and beautiful writing. As with so much of EM Lewis’ writing, the power of this piece lies in what is what the characters are not able to say which leads to incredibly charged scenes. I found myself simultaneously holding my breath and tearing up reading this. Highly recommended

    A powerful play with vivid characters, a compelling story, and beautiful writing. As with so much of EM Lewis’ writing, the power of this piece lies in what is what the characters are not able to say which leads to incredibly charged scenes. I found myself simultaneously holding my breath and tearing up reading this. Highly recommended

  • Ross Tedford Kendall: Dorothy's Dictionary

    A play that hits on themes of affirming life and passing knowledge. The two characters have little in common at first, but soon find themselves making the most of their shared experience. Literary references are sprinkled in, but they come organically from the librarian, while the teenager shares his own stories. A nice little play that will stay with you.

    A play that hits on themes of affirming life and passing knowledge. The two characters have little in common at first, but soon find themselves making the most of their shared experience. Literary references are sprinkled in, but they come organically from the librarian, while the teenager shares his own stories. A nice little play that will stay with you.

View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Portland Civic Theater Guild, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization The Public Theater of San Antonio, Year 2021
  • Type Reading, Organization Palm Beach Dramaworks, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization Fertile Ground Festival, Year 2020
  • Type Reading, Organization LineStorm Playwrights, Year 2019

Production History

Awards

  • Portland Civic Theater Guild New Play Award
    Portland Civic Theater Guild
    Winner
    2022