Marvin's Room: Acting Edition

by Scott McPherson

The tale of one family's journey through humor and heartache, seperation and self-discovery, "Marvin's Room" examines the ties that bind families together ....whether they like it or not.

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre, Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Mahtab Safdari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvin’s Room is one of those plays that sneaks up on you — it’s funny, it’s bleak, it’s tender, and somehow it all feels completely effortless. McPherson writes about illness, caretaking, and family dysfunction without ever slipping into sentimentality. Instead, he gives you characters who are messy and stubborn and trying their best, even when their “best” is wildly insufficient.

What I admire most is how the play balances humor with genuine emotional weight. The jokes aren’t there to soften the pain; they’re part of how these characters navigate it. McPherson keeps the tone light without ever trivializing the emotional stakes, which is harder than it looks.

It’s a modest play in scale but remarkably precise in its emotional architecture. McPherson builds his scenes with a quiet confidence, letting the relationships reveal themselves without forcing epiphanies or moral lessons. The result is a piece that resonates not because it reaches for grandeur, but because it trusts the small, truthful moments to carry the weight.

[Shanya Putri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this *twice, actually* for my Drama class this semester. I have to write an analysis of it. I also listened to the audiobook while reading the book. My heart is filled with joy, laugh, and some little tears.

[Shanya Putri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook while reading the book. The first play I have ever listened. I got to hear some laughs from the audiences too! My heart is filled with joy, laugh, and some little tears. Loved it.

[Ringa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny play about life with a lot of mishappenings. Got me to both laugh and cry.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unsucessful movie was made of a fantastic play. It has a lot to say about complicated family dynamics that will never really be solved.

[Bill Hice · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had to be funny because nothing gets solved.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

movie is bomb 10/10 would rec

[Ethan Myers Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the humour in the face of illness, loss and family dysfunction.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid play about the ties that bind among family members, even if they choose to ignore those ties. It felt a bit thin in places - I would've loved another scene between the sisters or between Hank and Charlie - but overall, it's a good play.

[Timur Markowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really get it. I just don't quite think it's for me.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional drama. Check out the back story of the playwright and his partner.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the play “MARVIN’S ROOM” by SCOTT MCPHERSON. I read this book while listening to the audible version narrated by STEVEN WEBER, MARY STEENBURGEN, GLORIA DORSON, ROXANNE HART, SHARN MADDEN, JASON RITTER, and KENDALL SCHMIDT. This is the tale of one family's journey through humor and heartache, separation and self-discovery, Marvin's Room examines the ties that bind families together... whether they like it or not. Good-hearted Bessie has been taking care of her ailing father for twenty years, but now she's the one who's sick, and she must reconcile with her estranged sister, Lee. A remarkably humorous and tender play, this critically acclaimed family drama was dubbed by The New York Times as "one of the funniest plays of the year, as well as one of the wisest and most moving." I loved reading this with the all-star cast and I have seen the 1996 movie with DIANE KEATON, MERYL STREEP, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, etc. several times.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the play “MARVIN’S ROOM” by SCOTT MCPHERSON. I read this book while listening to the audible version narrated by STEVEN WEBER, MARY STEENBURGEN, GLORIA DORSON, ROXANNE HART, SHARN MADDEN, JASON RITTER, and KENDALL SCHMIDT. This is the tale of one family's journey through humor and heartache, separation and self-discovery, Marvin's Room examines the ties that bind families together... whether they like it or not. Good-hearted Bessie has been taking care of her ailing father for twenty years, but now she's the one who's sick, and she must reconcile with her estranged sister, Lee. A remarkably humorous and tender play, this critically acclaimed family drama was dubbed by The New York Times as "one of the funniest plays of the year, as well as one of the wisest and most moving." I loved reading this with the all-star cast and I have seen the 1996 movie with DIANE KEATON, MERYL STREEP, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, etc. several times.

[Lauren Merrifield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I think it’s one I’m going to forget about quickly though. But now that I’m thinking about it, I’m remember how much I did like it. I liked the characters a lot. I thought they were very solid and their interactions were good. I also enjoyed the plot. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of the timeline because it always seemed like more time had passed between scenes than I expected. But that was the only thing that threw me off. It was a very sad story, but I think it would be a very beautiful one to watch.

[Mahfer · Rating 2 out of 5]

the fact that I thought I was gonna see some gay romance here... starring Leo Dicaprio just to find out that the author was gay, but it has nothing to do with the plot. I found the introduction talking about the author's life way more interesting than the actual book.... but I do want to watch the play, and maybe I will understand the hype more!?? Not sure, but pls send me recs on books about the fight against AIDS and how it affects the queer community in hw 80s, I actually wanna read more about that.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I legit didn’t see how, from the description, this play could be funny. But it is. And it also absolutely wrecked me. Great read.

What a massive talent. I wish people made more stuff like this. Sweet and sad and life affirming and heart breaking. Why do modern playwrights and screenwriters insist on everything being so bleak all the time? Even in the worst of situations, humans find love and joy and laughter. This! This, this, this.

I want to be this kind of writer some day.

[John Geddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really touching and real, the dialogue feels like something you overhear rather than something you’ve read. It’s funny, but in a life is hard kind of way. The characters never quite connect but manage to find themselves by the end. It’s hard not to hear Streep and Keaton from the movie.

5w/6m, multiple locations (good for black box). Some staging challenges but probably worth it.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvin’s room was a really nice play to read - it had me thinking about my life due to circumstances that I can relate to, and had me thinking of it in ways that I hadn’t before. It’s pretty sad really, but a great piece of writing nonetheless - plus there are some funny moments. Nice reading experience overall.

[Brian McCann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such an early 90s play!!! I liked Kramer’s introduction and McPherson’s notes better than the actual play.

Ruth’s running bit with the garage door opening whenever someone hugged her is nothing less than brilliant. I wish the rest of the play measured up.

[Jesse Kade Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve heard of this play through the years and honestly had no real interest in it. Turns out it’s a sweet work with a big heart. Am I dying to see it, no, but it is not without merit. I really enjoyed the son/aunt relationship, and the elderly aunt was a joy as well.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad play; it's impressive that McPherson manages to find some comedic moments in what is largely a depressing read.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Some really nice scenes. I think there’s a lot to dig into with a production of this, both directing and acting.

[Edie Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently saw an absolutely lovely production of this play that inspired me to read through the script. I'm glad I saw it before reading it - it heightened its effectiveness for me.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

So for July 2013 we watched the Movie. I'm using this book as a place marker. I haven't read the book. I watched the bare DVD, no commentary; which was good as I wanted my commentary from book club. I feel we may have done our hostess a disservice in not honoring her devotion to this film. I apologize for marginalizing her feelings if it came across that way but truly I didn't get the expected reaction or emotional connection. She was a gracious hostess & allowed the chat to vere off course. I thought the acting superb but this is not a film I'm interested in seeing again, even with insights gleaned from comments of book club attendees. I must be Lee.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly funny play that brings to life very complex family dynamics. The play is a reflection on caring for others.

Bessie is doing her best to care for her dying father and aging aunt, when she learns of her own illness. Bessie’s sister Lee, who has been absent from the family circle for many years, returns with her two sons to see if they are a medical match.

Most poignantly, the play offer that loving, not being loved, but loving others is one of life’s greatest rewards.

I read this play for “Cease Not Until Death,” a Delve Literary Arts class.

[Ginnye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good. Very interesting characters. Though sometimes the actions of the characters don't seem to fit. Like Lee asking Hank if he likes apes after chastising him. Or Hank throwing the coke after Lee asks him if he likes apes. The intensity isn't quite right. The screenplay (which was written by Scott Mcpherson)is terrific! I think it's because he wrote the play when he was young and the screenplay when he was older: he had more time to develop as a writer.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good play... I definitely sympathize with Bessie.

[Chambers Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved Marvin's Room when it came out.
Sad that Scott McPherson died so young.

[Estelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12130066

[Bobby Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great play. The first act is darkly, laugh out loud funny. The second act is more serious, but equally well done. And despite the tragedy, the ending is sweet, not at all saccharine.