THE STORY: The O’Conner story takes place in 1997 in Minnesota over the Christmas holiday. Tom O’Conner has passed away, and his wife (Sarah) and children (Liz, Martha and Matt) have reunited to excavate his mountain of personal effects. As the family sifts through boxes of papers and bags of clothing, clues to the quiet patriarch’s life are discovered, prompting the usual heated arguments and some unusual revelations. As the story of Tom and Sarah’s marriage unfolds, the children are forced to reconsider their long-held opinions of their parents. In the midst of this emotional afternoon, a long-lost neighbor pays an unexpected visit. Also on the agenda for this day of upheaval is Catholicism, WWII, old movies, old love, new love, oversleeping, overdrinking, large purple hats and weenie hot dishes.
“…comfy, affable and amusing piece…It’s a warm-hearted outing, by a writer who clearly feels affection for this clan.” —Seattle Times.
“…an affecting, amusing evening out…positively radiant with small-town sweetness…we’re into these people and want to keep hearing them yearn and reminisce. Forgette is a…promising writer with an ear, a heart, forgiving wit, and a feel for family dynamics. More plays, please.” —Seattle Weekly.
“Seattle actress Katie Forgette makes a triumphant transition to Seattle playwright with the warm and wonderful THE O’CONNER GIRLS…[an] appealing collection of characters…wonderfully old fashioned…” —Seattle Gay News.
