Later Life

by A.R. Gurney

Austin has spent his entire life convinced that something terrible is bound to happen to him. One night, at a party, overlooking Boston harbor, he has the pleasure of rekindling a romance begun almost thirty years ago with Ruth. Now a multiple divorcee, Ruth's personal life is in such turmoil that mutual friends look to Austin as Ruth's last shot at normalcy. At the same time, these friends are hoping the wildly unpredictable Ruth will help loosen Austin from the grip of years of depression and lifelessness. Comically, and sometimes painfully, these two people rediscover each other and themselves while a bevy of free-spirited other guests rally behind them and remind them of the infinite possibilities that life holds, should one only choose to pursue them.

Genres: Plays, Theatre

72 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1994

About the author

A.R. Gurney was an American playwright and novelist.

Reviews

[Jvd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this play. Working on a scene from it now. I find it rare that there are plays for a woman my age. This one is a good one - solid characters, eloquent dialogue.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't be too afraid that something bad will happen that you miss out on the possibility of something wonderful happening instead.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this play! I produced and assistant directed it at my local theatre. Brilliant characters and insightful look at a couple too stuck to break away and accept love.

[Caroline Brassard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not get into it… sadly. Could not get into the draggy plot and unrealistic conclusion. Perhaps I missed the visuals and the play is not great for audio only…

[Jenny Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read A R Gurney before, and I thought that this play was pretty solid, especially in terms of characterization through dialogue as opposed to physical action. Having the stage within the stage (the balcony) act as a space for “intruders” to enter and break up the conversation between the mains worked well, and marks the fairly quick pacing of the entire piece via interruption. Good play to take scenes from.

[Fauzia Lakh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this play. Very easy read. Charming.