The Tin Woman

by Sean Grennan

The Tin Woman is the story of a woman who receives a heart transplant and her eventual meeting with the family of the donor.

Instead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. At a friend's urging, Joy tracks down Jack's family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank, and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack's death? Based on a true story, The Tin Woman uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life.

Genres: Plays

71 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Eric M · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a sweet play.
Read it to prep for an audition.

[Cade Bengert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting play that I am definitely looking at directing with my high school students next year.

[Jessica Whittemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play feels very real. I knew basically nothing about transplants (or heart transplants specifically) prior to reading this play and then researching in preparation for rehearsing this play. I think Grennan paints some very surprising-but-understandable-the-more-you-think-of-it feelings and situations. The family dynamics are relatable, as are Joy's feelings of not being worthy of a heart transplant. It is all SO sad, but he rightly balanced that with humor and hope. I think some of Joy's "jokes" could be tuned up by having a female dramaturg or editor (I have thoughts!), and I think Grennan missed an opportunity to incorporate more of the very documented spiritual and cellular connections between transplants and donors into the flavor of the piece.

I'm in the middle of performing this play as Joy, and I'm so glad it exists—it's really been wonderful diving deep into the world of Joy and the Bordens.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play is both heartbreaking and hope-filled. The characters are portrayed as very real, believable, with many humorous moments interspersed amongst the serious. Absolutely loved the ending! Powerful.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play will be done at our theatre in the spring. I was asked to read it and consider auditioning. It is a meaning full play. Rather slow moving, and will require good pacing. A young woman receives the heart of a young man who dies. ?????

[Roxanne Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this show for our OAP and it was an incredibly emotional experience. A great journey. Lessons learned. He’s. Here.

[Jill Zuber-Sheils · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars