The Hat Box

by Eric Coble

Do we ever really know our parents? Do we want to? Really? Two sisters are about to find out when they discover a hat box hidden in the back of their recently deceased father's closet. What sits inside sends them off to visit eccentric Aunt Esther and on an increasingly wild ride down memory lane. With surprising twists and hilarious turns, this brand new comedy of family lore revels in the bizarre and beautiful...

Do we ever really know our parents? Do we want to? Really? Two sisters are about to find out when they discover a hat box hidden in the back of their recently deceased father's closet. What sits inside sends them off to visit eccentric Aunt Esther and on an increasingly wild ride down memory lane. With surprising twists and hilarious turns, this brand new comedy of family lore revels in the bizarre and beautiful mysteries that make up a life.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

The Hat Box

Recommended by

  • Palm Beach Dramaworks: The Hat Box by Eric Coble
    “

    The Hat Box was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2020. It is an hilarious and intriguing piece about family secrets, the stories we spin about them, and their affect on those we leave them to when we're gone.

    The Hat Box was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2020. It is an hilarious and intriguing piece about family secrets, the stories we spin about them, and their affect on those we leave them to when we're gone.

    ”
  • Tony Caselli: The Hat Box by Eric Coble
    “

    Our production of this play in Summer of 2022 was a huge success. Eric has given us a delightful, hilarious piece that sneaks up on you with the thoughtfulness. A beautiful exploration of family, the secrets we have and the mysteries that will never be answered. THE HAT BOX was adored by our audiences, trying to keep up with the twists and outrageously funny turns this piece and the fabulous characters take over 90 minutes leaves you breathless! Whose version of family history is true? Does anyone know? Should we?! Everyone should produce this.

    Our production of this play in Summer of 2022 was a huge success. Eric has given us a delightful, hilarious piece that sneaks up on you with the thoughtfulness. A beautiful exploration of family, the secrets we have and the mysteries that will never be answered. THE HAT BOX was adored by our audiences, trying to keep up with the twists and outrageously funny turns this piece and the fabulous characters take over 90 minutes leaves you breathless! Whose version of family history is true? Does anyone know? Should we?! Everyone should produce this.

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: The Hat Box by Eric Coble
    “

    Wow! The family mysteries and secrets keep exploding in this fast paced play! The characters are all so fun, distinct and relatable. I was on the edge of my seat as each new mystery and secret was revealed. It was fun to watch the characters squirm through the revelations. I'm definitely going to adopt some of their "old family sayings" in future!

    Wow! The family mysteries and secrets keep exploding in this fast paced play! The characters are all so fun, distinct and relatable. I was on the edge of my seat as each new mystery and secret was revealed. It was fun to watch the characters squirm through the revelations. I'm definitely going to adopt some of their "old family sayings" in future!

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, West Palm Beach Dramaworks, 2020
  • Reading, Cleveland Play House, 2019